Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries, and one of the most frequently underestimated. Whether it happened during sports, stepping off a curb, or twisting your foot awkwardly, an ankle sprain can leave you with pain, swelling, and instability that lingers longer than expected. Without proper rehab, even a mild sprain can increase your risk for chronic instability and repeated injuries.
At Sparq Physical Therapy in Castle Rock, CO, we offer one-on-one care to help you fully recover from ankle sprains—no matter how recent or how long ago it happened. Our approach focuses not only on healing the current injury, but also on preventing the next one.
Affected Area
Ankle sprains affect the ligaments surrounding the ankle joint, most commonly the lateral ligaments on the outside of the ankle. Depending on severity, sprains can also involve the muscles, tendons, and joint capsule, as well as compensatory strain on the foot, knee, and hip if not properly rehabilitated.
Symptoms
Symptoms typically include pain, swelling, bruising, and limited range of motion around the ankle. You may feel instability or weakness when walking, especially on uneven surfaces. In more severe sprains, weight-bearing may be difficult, and the risk of re-injury increases without targeted rehab.
Treatments
Physical therapy is key to restoring ankle strength, mobility, and stability after a sprain. At Sparq PT, we develop a personalized recovery plan based on your injury history and activity level. Treatment may include:
Manual therapy to reduce stiffness and improve joint mobility
Balance and proprioception training to rebuild neuromuscular control
Strengthening exercises for ankle stabilizers, calves, and supporting muscles
Functional movement retraining to return to walking, running, or sport
Education and taping strategies to reduce reinjury risk
With consistent rehab, most patients return to full function while improving ankle resilience for the long term.