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Ankle sprain not healing?
Many ankle sprains are much better within about six weeks. If yours still swells, hurts or gives way after that, it's worth an assessment: it may be incomplete strength and balance recovery, recurrent instability, a tendon injury or a missed fracture. Time alone doesn't tell which.
How we can help at Burwood Podiatry
A sprain that hasn't settled usually needs a plan, not more time. We work out why and build your recovery.
- A check of ligament stability, tenderness, strength and balance
- A staged rehab program with balance and strength work: strength and rehab
- Taping or bracing while you rebuild, and a CAM walker boot where it suits
- A referral for an X-ray, scan or sports medicine opinion when it would change the plan
- A return-to-sport plan based on strength, balance and confidence, not pain alone
What you can do at home
- Daily balance practice: stand on the injured leg, building up time
- Calf raises and ankle strengthening as we show you
- Walk as normally as you can, and build activity gradually
- Supportive shoes; avoid uneven ground until your balance improves
- Wear supportive, well-fitting shoes while you rebuild strength: choosing shoes
When to get it checked
- Still swelling, sore or giving way more than about 6 weeks after the sprain
- Repeated sprains on the same ankle
- Pain in one spot on the bone, or clicking and locking
- Deformity, a crack heard at injury, or unable to take a few steps: same-day care
Deformity, a crack heard at injury, or being unable to take a few steps needs same-day care. Emergency, or a foot that suddenly turns cold, pale or blue? Call 000.
Ankle sprain questions
Why does my ankle still feel unsteady after a sprain?
An ankle that still gives way or feels unsteady weeks after a sprain often hasn't regained its balance and strength, or has a ligament or tendon problem that needs checking. A staged rehab program with balance work, and taping or bracing while you rebuild, usually helps. More than about six weeks on, it's worth an assessment.
Do I need an MRI for an ankle sprain?
Not automatically. An assessment of the injury history, stability, strength and function can clarify whether imaging is likely to change management.
Can I return to sport when the pain is gone?
Pain is only one factor. Strength, balance, confidence, sport-specific tasks and how you respond after activity also matter.
Where to next
Sources
Reviewed by Burwood Podiatry · November 2026