.jpg)
Have you ever stepped off a curb, landed awkwardly during a soccer game, or simply walked on uneven ground only to roll your ankle again?
If you've experienced more than one ankle sprain, you're not alone. A recurring ankle sprain is one of the most common injuries treated by physiotherapists, especially among athletes and active adults. Unfortunately, many people assume that once the pain and swelling disappear, the injury has completely healed. In reality, that's often not the case.
At VanCity Physio, we regularly help patients recover from recurring ankle sprains and prevent them from happening again. With the right clinical physiotherapy treatment plan, you can restore strength, improve stability, and return to the activities you love with confidence.
.jpg)
An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that support your ankle are stretched or torn. While rest may help reduce pain and swelling, it doesn't restore the strength, balance, and stability your ankle needs to function properly.
Without proper rehabilitation, the injured ankle often remains weak and unstable, making it much easier to sprain again.
After an ankle injury, you may experience:
These lingering issues can significantly increase your risk of another injury.
A recurring ankle sprain can lead to a condition known as chronic ankle instability. This occurs when the ligaments and muscles surrounding the ankle no longer provide enough support during movement.
Signs of chronic ankle instability include:
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, chronic ankle instability usually develops after an ankle sprain that hasn't fully healed or been properly rehabilitated. Even if your original ankle sprain happened years ago, physiotherapy can still help improve your stability and reduce your risk of future injuries.
Recurring ankle sprains are common among:
However, ankle sprains aren't limited to athletes. Everyday activities like walking the dog, gardening, hiking, or stepping off a curb can also result in injury.
Many people simply wear an ankle brace and continue with their normal activities. Unfortunately, this doesn't address the underlying problem.
Ignoring a recurring ankle sprain can lead to:
Because your body naturally compensates for an unstable ankle, other joints often begin to work harder, increasing your risk of additional injuries.
At VanCity Physio, we don't just treat the symptoms, we identify why your ankle continues to roll and create a personalized treatment plan to address the root cause.
Comprehensive Assessment
Your physiotherapist will assess your ankle mobility, strength, flexibility, walking pattern, balance, and overall movement to determine what's contributing to your recurring injuries.
Manual Therapy
Hands-on manual therapy techniques help improve joint mobility, reduce stiffness, decrease pain, and restore normal ankle movement.
Strengthening Exercises
Targeted strengthening exercises improve the muscles that support your ankle, making it stronger and more stable during daily activities and sports.
Balance and Proprioception Training
One of the biggest reasons ankle sprains recur is poor proprioception. Your physiotherapist will guide you through specialized balance exercises that retrain your nervous system to react more quickly, helping protect your ankle before another injury occurs.
Gait and Running Analysis
Poor walking or running mechanics can place unnecessary stress on your ankle. We identify movement faults and help correct them to reduce your injury risk.
Return-to-Sport Rehabilitation
Whether you enjoy soccer, basketball, pickleball, volleyball, hiking, or running, your sports physiotherapy program will be tailored to your goals, ensuring a safe and confident return to activity.
Your physiotherapist may recommend exercises such as:
These exercises improve stability, coordination, and overall ankle function while helping prevent future sprains. A structured active rehabilitation program progresses these safely as your ankle gets stronger.
.jpg)
You should book a physiotherapy assessment if:
Early treatment can speed up recovery, reduce pain, and significantly lower your risk of long-term complications.
At VanCity Physio, we believe every ankle injury deserves more than temporary pain relief.
Our experienced physiotherapists provide comprehensive one-on-one assessments and evidence-based treatment plans designed to restore strength, improve balance, and prevent future injuries. We combine hands-on therapy with customized exercise programs and education so you can recover with confidence.
Whether you're recovering from your first ankle sprain or have been dealing with recurring ankle injuries for years, we're here to help you move better, feel stronger, and return to doing what you love.
Don't let a recurring ankle sprain keep you from enjoying an active lifestyle. With expert physiotherapy treatment, you can improve your strength, restore stability, and reduce your risk of future injuries.
Book your comprehensive ankle assessment at our Downtown clinic or Fairview clinic and take the first step toward a stronger, healthier, and more confident recovery.
Why do I keep getting a recurring ankle sprain?
Most repeat sprains happen because the original injury never fully rehabilitated. Rest reduces pain and swelling, but it doesn't rebuild the strength, balance, and proprioception your ankle needs for stability. Without that, the ligaments stay weak and the ankle rolls more easily.
How long does it take to recover from a recurring ankle sprain?
It depends on the severity and how long instability has been present. Many people notice meaningful improvement within a few weeks of consistent physiotherapy, though building full strength and balance often takes a couple of months. Your physiotherapist will give you a timeline based on your assessment.
Can I still exercise with an unstable ankle?
Often yes, but with modifications. A physiotherapist can guide you on which activities are safe and which to temporarily avoid, then progress you back to full activity as your strength and stability improve. Pushing through repeated sprains without a plan usually makes things worse.
Is an ankle brace enough to fix the problem?
A brace can offer short-term support, but it doesn't address the underlying weakness or poor proprioception causing your ankle to roll. Bracing works best alongside a proper strengthening and balance program, not as a replacement for one.
Do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist in Vancouver?
No. You can book directly with a physiotherapist in British Columbia. VanCity Physio also offers direct billing to most extended health plans, including ICBC and WorkSafeBC.
.png)
.svg)
.svg)