Ankle Sprain & Treatment

An ankle sprain happens when you roll, twist, or turn your ankle beyond its normal range, stretching or tearing the ligaments that hold it together. It’s one of the most common injuries there is — and while most heal well, a poorly treated sprain can lead to lasting instability. Our orthopedic and sports medicine team treats ankle sprains across Long Island and northern New Jersey, with offices in Plainview, New Hyde Park, and Ronkonkoma, NY, and Clifton, Montville, and Plainfield, NJ.

What an ankle sprain is

Ligaments are the tough bands that connect bone to bone and keep the ankle stable. When the ankle is forced beyond its normal range — usually rolling inward — those ligaments stretch or tear. Sprains are graded by severity, from mild overstretching (Grade 1) to a partial tear (Grade 2) to a complete tear (Grade 3).

Typical symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness over the ligaments, and difficulty putting weight on the ankle. You may have felt or heard a “pop” at the moment of injury.

How ankle sprains are treated

Most sprains respond to conservative care, following the approach used at Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic:

• RICE — rest, ice, compression, and elevation in the first days to control pain and swelling.
• Bracing or support — an ankle brace or wrap to protect the healing ligaments.
• Anti-inflammatory medication — to manage pain and swelling.
• Physical therapy and rehab — restoring strength, balance, and range of motion is the step that prevents re-injury and chronic instability.

Surgery is uncommon and reserved for severe tears or ankles that stay unstable despite full rehab.

Related conditions

Ankle sprains are part of the broader picture of foot and ankle pain. For other causes, return to our foot pain overview.

Why patients across Long Island and North Jersey choose Empire

Insurance

Coverage varies by plan and by location, and we accept many major insurance plans across our New York and New Jersey offices. The simplest way to know exactly what your plan covers is to call — our team will verify your benefits before your visit, so there are no surprises. Whether you’re on Long Island or in North Jersey, reach out and we’ll walk you through your options.

Frequently asked questions

How long does an ankle sprain take to heal?

A mild sprain often settles in a couple of weeks, while more severe sprains take longer and need more rehab. Timelines vary, and finishing rehabilitation matters more than the calendar for a durable recovery.

Should I walk on a sprained ankle?

Gentle, protected weight-bearing is often encouraged early for milder sprains, but a sprain where you can’t bear weight should be evaluated to rule out a fracture. Let pain be your guide and check with us if unsure.

How do I know if it’s sprained or broken?

Both cause pain and swelling, but an inability to bear weight, a deformed ankle, or bony tenderness raises concern for a fracture. Imaging confirms the difference, which is why a severe injury should be evaluated.

Do I need physical therapy for a sprain?

For anything beyond a mild sprain, yes — rehab restores strength and balance and is the best way to prevent the ankle from becoming chronically unstable and spraining again.

Why does my ankle keep spraining?

Repeated sprains usually mean the ligaments and the muscles that stabilize the ankle didn’t fully recover, leading to chronic instability. A targeted rehab program, and occasionally further evaluation, addresses this.

When should I see a specialist for an ankle sprain?

If you can’t bear weight, the swelling and pain are severe, the ankle feels unstable, or a sprain isn’t improving as expected. Early, proper treatment leads to better long-term outcomes.