Sprained ankle in Torremolinos

A sprain isn’t “just a twisted ankle”

An ankle sprain is an injury to the ligaments, almost always the outer ones, that happens when the foot rolls inwards. It is one of the most common injuries in sport and everyday life, which is why it is often played down.

The problem is that a poorly rehabilitated sprain can leave lasting effects: persistent pain, a feeling that the ankle gives way, new sprains from the smallest movements and a loss of confidence when running or jumping. This is what we call chronic ankle instability, and it has a lot to do with deficits in strength, balance and movement control that were never trained.

In the acute phase, current evidence favours protecting the area for a few days, managing the swelling without overdoing it and getting back to putting weight on the foot early and progressively, rather than immobilising it for weeks. For more severe sprains, a brace or temporary support may be useful. Completing the balance and strength work, even once it no longer hurts, is what helps most to prevent further sprains.

At Centro Ubud we assess the grade of the injury with examination and ultrasound of the ligaments, and design phased rehabilitation: mobility, strength, balance and, finally, movements specific to your sport or activity until you are discharged.