Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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What is an ankle sprain?
An ankle sprain is a common injury usually caused when the ankle is forced to bend more than normal. This stretches and weakens the ligaments and soft tissues that hold the ankle and foot bones in place.
What are the symptoms?
- Mild ache to sudden, sharp pain
- Swelling around the joint
- Bruising of the skin
- Inability to move or bear weight on the ankle normally
What is the treatment?
The primary goal of early treatment is to calm the inflammation, control swelling, and manage pain.
- Rest: This helps prevent further injury and initiates the healing process. In the first few days, significantly reduce your walking and gently move your ankle regularly to prevent stiffness. Avoid forceful or strenuous exercises (such as running and jumping) until you can walk completely pain-free.
- Ice: Applying ice reduces swelling and eases pain. Wrap a small bag of frozen peas (which can be re-frozen and reused) in a tea towel. Place it over the injured ankle for 10 minutes every 2 hours for the first couple of days.
- Elevation: Keep your injured ankle raised above the level of your hips for the first few days. This actively decreases swelling and throbbing.
- Pain Relief: Paracetamol is highly effective to ease pain. It is best taken regularly for a few days rather than only when pain is severe. An adult dose is two 500 mg tablets, up to four times a day (maximum 8 tablets in 24 hours). Do not take other paracetamol-containing products. Ibuprofen (an anti-inflammatory painkiller) can also be purchased from pharmacies to help limit inflammation.
Important updates on care:
- Compression Bandages: We no longer routinely offer compression bandages for sprains, as clinical evidence shows they have no beneficial effect on recovery speed or completeness. If you find them comforting, they can still be purchased at pharmacies.
- Heat: The use of heat within the first 48 hours after your injury is not recommended, as it can increase swelling and inflammation.
How long will it last?
Healing of the ligaments normally takes about six weeks, although everyone recovers at different rates. Your individual recovery time is related to how severe the sprain is and any underlying medical conditions you may have. As healing begins, performing gentle mobility exercises will significantly improve your flexibility, strength, and help prevent future sprains.
Rehabilitation Exercises
Movement should gradually replace rest. For most minor sprains, early weight bearing has been proven to help ankles heal more quickly (which is why crutches are rarely prescribed). Always try to walk naturally, allowing your heel to strike the floor first, rocking forward, and pushing off with your toes. Gently perform the following exercises 10 times each, 2 to 3 times a day:
- Circle your foot in a clockwise direction.
- Circle your foot in an anticlockwise direction.
- Pull your toes up gently towards your shin.
- Push your foot downwards (as though pressing down a car accelerator pedal).
When to Seek Advice
If you are concerned about your recovery, please contact your GP or call the NHS 111 service (available 24 hours a day). You can also access online help https://111.nhs.uk/
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Emergency department (ED) service.
About this information
Service:
Emergency department (ED)
Reference:
A/003
Approval date:
1 October 2026
Review date:
1 October 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.