Ankle Sprains: Causes, Symptoms, and Holistic Treatment Options in Manhattan
Ankle sprains often occur when the foot twists unexpectedly, especially during physical activity or on uneven surfaces.
Have you recently experienced ankle pain or swelling? It could be an ankle sprain.
Ankle sprains are a common injury that can occur when the ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn due to a sudden twist, misstep, or awkward landing. While the injury can happen in various situations, such as during sports, walking on uneven surfaces, or even just a simple stumble, it can often lead to pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving.
If you’ve noticed these symptoms, it’s important to understand the severity of your injury and seek the proper treatment. With prompt care, most sprains heal effectively without complications. Treatment options range from simple at-home remedies like rest, ice, and compression to more advanced holistic therapies designed to restore mobility and reduce pain.
Non-invasive methods such as chiropractic care, physical therapy, massage therapy, and cold laser
therapy can all play a role in helping you recover, improve function, and prevent future injuries.
What is an Ankle Sprain?
An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn, typically due to a sudden twist, roll, or awkward landing. These ligaments help stabilize the joint, which can affect your ankle’s stability and mobility when injured. The injury can range from mild, where the ligaments are stretched, to severe, with a complete tear.
This common injury affects millions yearly, especially active individuals and athletes. In fact, over 2 million ankle sprains are treated annually in the U.S. The severity of the sprain will determine the recovery time, and the type of treatment required, so early intervention is essential to avoid long-term instability or recurring injuries.
Causes of Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains typically happen when the foot twists or rolls awkwardly, overstretching the ligaments. The anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) is the most commonly injured ligament, which connects the ankle to the foot.
Common causes include:
- Sudden twisting or rolling: A misstep, fall, or unexpected movement can force the ankle into an unnatural position, straining the ligaments.
- Landing awkwardly: Jumping or pivoting incorrectly can stress the ankle joint excessively.
- Walking or running on uneven surfaces: Uneven ground increases the risk of rolling the ankle, especially if stability is compromised.
- High-impact sports: Activities like basketball, soccer, and trail running involve rapid direction changes, jumping, and landing forces that raise the likelihood of sprains.
- Improper footwear: Shoes without adequate ankle support or grip can lead to instability and increase injury risk.
Certain factors, such as previous ankle injuries, poor balance, and weak stabilizing muscles, can further increase the chances of a sprain.
Signs and Symptoms of an Ankle Sprain
Recognizing an ankle sprain early can help ensure proper treatment. Common symptoms include:
- Pain: Sharp or aching pain, especially when putting weight on the foot.
- Swelling: The ankle may swell immediately or gradually due to inflammation.
- Bruising: Discoloration from ligament damage and internal bleeding, often appearing within hours.
- Tenderness: The area around the injury may be sensitive to touch.
- Limited range of motion: Stiffness and difficulty moving the ankle, particularly flexing or rotating.
- Instability: A feeling of weakness or wobbliness in the joint, especially when standing or walking.
- Popping or cracking sound: Some people hear a noise at the moment of injury, which may indicate ligament damage.
When to See a Doctor
Ankle sprains can often be treated at home, but seek medical attention if:
- You cannot put weight on the foot
- There is severe swelling or bruising
- The ankle looks deformed or unstable
- Pain does not improve with rest and ice
A proper diagnosis and treatment plan can help prevent long-term issues, such as chronic ankle instability or arthritis.
Treatment Options for Ankle Sprains
Traditional medicine treatments may be necessary for more severe sprains or cases where pain and instability persist. In some cases, corticosteroid injections can help with inflammation, and for significant ligament damage, surgery may be considered.
Mild sprains may often be treated at home with some of the following.
Conservative and At-Home Treatments
Mild to moderate ankle sprains can often be managed with simple, at-home care:
- RICE Method: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation help reduce swelling and support healing in the early stages.
- Pain Management: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help relieve pain and inflammation.
- Bracing and Taping: Wearing a brace or using athletic tape can provide stability and prevent further strain while the ankle heals.
- Gentle Movement: Light stretching and range-of-motion exercises can help prevent stiffness and promote circulation.
Holistic and Drug-Free Treatment Options for Ankle Sprains
At Prestige Health and Wellness, we take a personalized approach to treating ankle sprains, combining multiple therapeutic techniques to promote healing, restore mobility, and prevent future injuries. Our treatments are tailored to each patient’s condition, activity level, and recovery goals.
Chiropractic Care
Our chiropractors use joint mobilization and gentle adjustments to improve ankle mobility and reduce stiffness caused by a sprain. By addressing joint misalignments, this treatment supports healing and enhances overall function.
Physical Therapy
A structured physical therapy program helps rebuild strength, stability, and flexibility. Our approach includes targeted strengthening exercises, balance training, and stretching routines designed to restore full function and reduce the risk of future sprains.
Massage Therapy
Hands-on massage techniques help relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote faster healing. This therapy effectively reduces stiffness and discomfort after an ankle injury.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is used to reduce pain and inflammation in the injured ankle. This complementary treatment helps support overall recovery by improving circulation and promoting natural healing.
Cold Laser Therapy
This non-invasive therapy uses light energy to stimulate tissue repair, reduce swelling, and alleviate pain. Cold laser therapy shortens recovery time and enhances the healing process by accelerating cellular regeneration.
Orthotic Training
We provide custom orthotic devices for patients with biomechanical issues to support the foot and ankle. Proper alignment and mechanics help prevent future injuries and improve overall stability during movement.
Kinesio Taping
Applying Kinesio tape to the ankle provides targeted support, reduces strain, and assists with recovery. It stabilizes the joint while allowing for natural movement, helping maintain function during the healing process.
Therapeutic Modalities
We use advanced therapeutic techniques, including ultrasound and electrical stimulation, to manage pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. These treatments enhance blood circulation and relieve muscle tension, resulting in faster recovery.
Rehabilitation Protocols
Rehabilitation is a critical part of recovery. We design individualized exercise programs to strengthen the ankle, restore mobility, and prevent re-injury. These structured routines help patients regain full function and confidence in their movement.
Each treatment plays a role in a customized recovery plan, ensuring effective pain management, reduced inflammation, and restoring mobility. At Prestige Health and Wellness, our multidisciplinary team works closely with top doctors and specialists to provide comprehensive care, helping patients recover from ankle sprains and confidently return to their daily activities.
Find Relief from Ankle Sprains Today
Don’t let ankle pain hold you back from your daily activities. Whether you’ve sprained your ankle from a fall, sports injury, or overuse, our team is here to guide you through your recovery. We provide chiropractic care, physical therapy, and customized treatment plans to reduce pain, promote healing, and restore full ankle function.
Visit us at one of our convenient locations: Financial District, Hudson Yards, Chelsea, or Nomad. Call us today at (917) 694-1565 or book your appointment online to begin your recovery and regain full mobility!
Sources
Herzog, M. M., Kerr, Z. Y., Marshall, S. W., & Wikstrom, E. A. (2019). Epidemiology of ankle sprains and chronic ankle instability. Journal of Athletic Training, 54(6), 603–610. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-447-17
Melanson SW, Shuman VL. Acute Ankle Sprain. [Updated 2023 May 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459212/