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Area of care: Sports rehabilitation

Ankle sprain

In short

An ankle sprain is an ankle ligament stretched too far, sometimes torn, during a sudden twist, most often when the foot turns inwards. Depending on the damage to the ligaments, it can be mild, moderate or severe.

  • Areas concerned: Ankle and foot
  • Page reviewed on October 30, 2026

Ankle and foot

Common signs

  • Pain and swelling, often on the outer side of the ankle
  • Bruise (ecchymosis) on the outer side of the ankle
  • A crack or a feeling of the ankle coming out of joint at the moment of the twist
  • Putting weight on the foot is difficult, or even impossible
  • Ankle that feels unstable in severe cases

When to see a doctor

  • Very severe pain that forces you to stop the activity, sometimes with feeling faint
  • Swelling that quickly spreads to the foot, sometimes with a haematoma
  • A crack heard at the time of the accident, or a feeling that the ankle came out of joint
  • Unable to put your foot on the ground, or pain with every step
  • Pain or discomfort when walking that does not go away

What physiotherapy does

Rehabilitation is not always needed: it is the doctor who suggests it, according to your needs. The physiotherapist starts by easing the pain and swelling, then gets the ankle moving early and puts weight back on it so that it does not become stiff. They then strengthen the muscles around the joint. As a final step, they work on balance and the reflexes that catch the ankle (known as proprioceptive work), to limit the risk of another sprain.

Techniques used at the practice

Joint mobilisations, progressive strengthening, proprioceptive work and sports retraining. Pain-relieving physical treatments as a complement, where indicated.

How the sessions go

Assessment of mobility, swelling and functional stability. Gradual return to weight-bearing, up to sport-specific exercises, guided by reassessments.

My pain diaryFill it in every day, show it at your session

Advice

Continue the prescribed exercises and gradually increase the load. Prepare your return to sport with regular strength and balance work.

Sources

  1. Entorse de la cheville : causes, stades de gravité et symptômes (new tab)Assurance Maladie (ameli.fr), accessed October 26, 2026
  2. Entorse de la cheville : que faire et quand consulter ? (new tab)Assurance Maladie (ameli.fr), accessed October 26, 2026
  3. Entorse de la cheville : consultation et traitement (new tab)Assurance Maladie (ameli.fr), accessed October 26, 2026

Page reviewed on October 30, 2026

This page is for information and does not replace a consultation. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.

Sports rehabilitation

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