Ankle Sprains: Why They Come Back - and How To Stop Them
Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries, yet they’re also one of the most likely to return. Many people assume once the swelling goes down and walking feels normal, the injury is “healed.” Unfortunately, that’s often not the case.
Why Ankle Sprains Keep Coming Back
When you sprain your ankle, you don’t just stretch or tear ligaments — you also disrupt strength, balance, and joint control. If rehab focuses only on rest and time, those deeper issues remain.
Common reasons sprains recur include:
Weak supporting muscles around the ankle and lower leg
Poor balance and proprioception (your body’s ability to sense joint position)
Stiff ankle mobility, especially after swelling subsides
Returning to activity too quickly without proper loading
Once an ankle has been sprained, the risk of re-injury increases significantly if these deficits aren’t addressed.
How to Stop the Cycle
The key to preventing repeat ankle sprains is active rehabilitation. That means more than ice and rest — it means retraining the ankle to handle real-life movement.
Effective rehab should include:
Strength training for the ankle, calf, and foot muscles
Balance and stability exercises to retrain joint awareness
Mobility work to restore proper ankle motion
Progressive loading, gradually preparing the ankle for sport, work, or daily activity
In some cases, supportive tools like bracing, taping, or compression socks can help during the return-to-activity phase — but they should support rehab, not replace it.
The Takeaway
An ankle sprain that isn’t fully rehabbed is an injury waiting to happen again. The good news? With the right approach, recurring sprains are highly preventable.
If you’ve had multiple ankle sprains or feel like your ankle just isn’t as stable as it used to be, a proper assessment and rehab plan can make all the difference. Stronger, more confident movement starts with addressing the root cause — not just the symptoms. Book now, and we can get your recovery started!
