Top Physical Therapy Exercises for Ankle Sprains

Following an ankle sprain, it'll be important to regain strength, mobility, and stability of the ankle. Leg strengthening and balance training should also be incorporated.

Ankle Range of Motion Exercises

Depending on the severity of the sprain, the degree of movement will vary. As you begin to move and strengthen, some pain is normal. Make sure to gradually ease into it.

Ankle banded dorsiflexion mobilization, ankle circles, alphabets, ankle strap stretch.

Ankle Strengthening

These can start with banded strengthening of plantarflexion, dorsiflexion, inversion, and eversion. Then progressed to weight bearing strengthening as tolerated. Depending on the sprain, certain movements can be biased more. For example, an inversion sprain can focus on eversion more.

Balance Training

These can start with a simple single leg balance and progressed with perturbations, uneven surfaces, multidirectional balance, and SL RDL.

Leg Strengthening

Strengthening the rest of the leg will be importance to help improve stability and be able to prevent re-injury.

Early stage: bridges, clamshells, sidelying leg raises, single leg balance

Mid-late: squats, side steps, lunges, SL RDL, captain morgans, step up/down variations

Late-stage: hops, squat jumps, lunge hops, split stance heel raises

Exercise Equipment Used