Ankle Sprains in Sport: Why They Keep Happening and How to Stop the Cycle

Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries seen in sport — particularly in football, netball, basketball and running. Many athletes treat them as a “minor” setback, tape it up, get through the game, and move on.

The problem?

That approach is exactly why ankle sprains have one of the highest recurrence rates of any sporting injury.

At Emerge Podiatry, we regularly see athletes months or even years down the track still dealing with instability, pain, or loss of confidence — all stemming from an ankle sprain that never fully recovered.

Why Ankle Sprains Are More Than “Just a Roll”

Most ankle sprains involve damage to the lateral ankle ligaments, but the injury doesn’t stop there. A significant sprain can also affect:

• Joint position sense (proprioception)

• Muscle activation timing around the ankle and foot

• Midfoot and forefoot mechanics

• Load tolerance through the entire lower limb

When these deficits aren’t addressed properly, the ankle becomes vulnerable — not just to re-sprain, but to secondary injuries such as Achilles pain, plantar fasciitis, knee overload, or shin pain.

The Biggest Reason Ankle Sprains Keep Coming Back

The number one issue we see is returning to sport based on time, not function.

Pain often settles quickly, but that doesn’t mean the ankle is ready to handle:

• Cutting and change of direction

• Single-leg landing

• Fatigue late in games

• Unpredictable contact situations

Without restoring strength, control, and confidence, the ankle remains unstable — even if it feels “okay”.

How Podiatry Plays a Key Role in Ankle Sprain Rehab

A sports-focused podiatry approach looks beyond swelling and soreness.

At Emerge Podiatry, ankle sprain management often includes:

• Assessment of foot and ankle biomechanics

• Identification of movement patterns that overload the injured side

• Progressive strength and balance rehabilitation

• Footwear assessment specific to your sport

• Targeted taping or bracing strategies

• Custom or off-the-shelf orthotic support where appropriate

This approach doesn’t just help the ankle heal — it reduces re-injury risk and improves overall performance.

Do You Always Need Orthotics After an Ankle Sprain?

Not always — and that’s an important point.

Some athletes need no additional support once strength and control are restored. Others benefit from short- or long-term orthotic support to:

• Improve rearfoot stability

• Reduce excessive pronation or supination

• Improve force transfer during running and cutting

• Reduce stress on healing structures

The key is individual assessment, not blanket solutions.

What About Non-Athletes?

Even if you’re not playing sport, ankle sprains can still have lasting effects.

We commonly see:

• Recurrent “rolling” on uneven ground

• Ongoing swelling months after injury

• Pain when walking long distances

• Reduced confidence on stairs or slopes

The same principles apply: restoring strength, balance, and foot function is essential — regardless of your activity level.

When Should You See a Podiatrist for an Ankle Sprain?

You should consider an assessment if:

• You’ve had multiple ankle sprains

• Your ankle still feels unstable weeks after injury

• You’ve returned to sport but don’t trust the ankle

• You’re taping every session just to feel safe

• Pain has shifted to your foot, Achilles, or knee

Early intervention can prevent years of recurring issues.

The Bottom Line

Ankle sprains are common — but chronic ankle problems don’t have to be.

With the right assessment, rehabilitation, and support, most athletes can return stronger, more confident, and less injury-prone than before.