An ankle ligament injury can affect your daily life. From a simple walk or exercise to standing for a long time, ankle stability is crucial. Torn ligaments should be treated as soon as possible to restore joint stability, muscles strength and reduce pain.
Understanding the severity of the injury and the role of chiropractic care, and a Sports Chiropractor, is important to ensure a smooth recovery. This blog will explain the symptoms of ankle sprain injuries and the expected recovery times.
What is an Ankle Ligamentous Sprain?
Ligaments are connective tissues supporting the joints, and when they are quickly overstretched, a sprain injury happens. Bones are connected with each other through ligaments. These ligaments prevent excessive movement within the joint. Most ankle ligament injuries involve the lateral ligaments on the outer side of the ankle, most frequently the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), specifically during inward rolling motions. The severity of the sprain or tear may vary, which can directly affect recovery time and treatment needs.
Symptoms of an Ankle Spain or Torn Ankle Ligament
There is a chance that you may notice instant symptoms after an ankle injury, but some people develop symptoms gradually over time. You might experience discomfort in the beginning, after some time, these signs can become more noticeable. Common symptoms of a sprained ankle or torn ankle ligament include:
- You may suffer from sharp pain that may worsen over time, especially when you move your ankle or put pressure on it.
- The affected area may swell.
- When the ligament gets torn, you may notice bruising.
- You might be unable to move your ankle.
- You may feel ankle weakness.
Without proper care, these symptoms may worsen and increase the risk of chronic ankle instability or repeated injuries in the future.
Common Causes of Ankle Sprain Injuries or Ankle Ligament Tears
Ankle ligament tears can happen due to sudden and excessive stretching of the ankle joint. Some risk factors include:
- Accidental twisting of the ankle during sports/ exercise.
- Incorrect landing or poor running cutting technique.
- Walking or running on uneven ground
- Wearinf unstable footwear
Poor balance, muscle weakness, and reduced joint control can also increase the chance of ligament injury.
How Long Does It Take for an Ankle Sprain, or Torn Ankle Ligament to Heal?
Recovery time may vary depending on the severity of the injured ligament and how well the injury is managed. Typically:
- Two to four weeks might be enough to recover from mild ligament injury.
- Recovery time for moderate sprains can be six to eight weeks.
- Severe ligament sprains might take three months or more.
While ligament sprains or tears may recover within these time periods, full recovery often takes longer. Without proper rehabilitation, the ankle may remain weak or unstable, increasing the risk of re-injury. Rest alone is rarely sufficient for long-term recovery.
How Chiropractors Help with Ankle Sprain Recovery
Chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper joint mechanics, strength, and movement control rather than only addressing pain. A Hong Kong Chiropractor typically assesses the ankle as part of a bigger picture, including the foot, knee, hip, and spine. Chiropractic techniques used for ankle ligament injuries include:
- Gentle joint mobilization to restore normal ankle motion without stressing healing tissues
- Soft tissue therapy to reduce muscle tightness, swelling, and fascial restrictions
- Neuromuscular rehabilitation to improve balance and coordination
- Progressive strengthening exercises to support ligament repair
- Exercises to reduce the risk of future ankle sprains
Research-supported rehabilitation now emphasizes controlled movement and gradual increasing activity, which helps ligaments heal stronger and more resilient.
Conclusion
Many people return to physical activity or work too soon after suffering from an ankle injury. Chiropractors provide evidence-based care with personalized treatment plans to meet recovery goals. Chiropractors at Agape Chiropractic Hong Kong identify the severity of injury and its causes to prevent recurring ankle issues.
If you are experiencing ankle pain, instability, or delayed healing after a ligament injury, professional care can make a meaningful difference. Agape Chiropractic Hong Kong can help.
Did you know that chiropractors are spine specialists? We published a number of blogs addressing spine injuries. Check out our recent blog: “How long does it take for sciatica to heal?” Understanding recovery timelines for your injury can empower you to better manage your condition. For more information on musculoskeletal health, feel free to read our other blogs.
Other Useful link:
