This places the sole of the foot in such a position that it points inward as force is applied, so the ligaments stabilizing the outside part of the ankle become stressed. Following such an incident, one experiences difficulty walking and, in a short time, the outside aspect of the injured ankle begins to cause pain and swells, sometimes so excessively that people believe it is broken. Touching of the area will result in a variable amount of discomfort. X-rays are essential, as the possibility of a fracture must be ruled out. Minimizing swelling helps the ankle heal faster.
Most sprains heal completely within a few weeks.
With increasing injury severity, the rehabilitation process becomes more complex and extensive. Chronic or recurrent lateral ankle sprains usually receive some type of strengthening program and proprioception training due to poor balance on the injured leg. Pain is the guide as to how much activity is enough. Wear the correct shoes for the event. Good walking shoes provide more comfort and better balance Wear hiking shoes or boots in rough terrain Different sports activities call for specific footwear to protect feet and ankles.