Most ankle sprains settle within a few weeks. But for some people the ankle never feels quite right again. It stays swollen or painful, or it keeps giving way on uneven ground, on the beach or during sport.

When a sprain isn’t just a sprain

Ongoing problems after an injury can mean torn or stretched ligaments, damage to the cartilage inside the joint, a tendon injury, or a small fracture that was missed. Getting the right diagnosis, usually with an examination and an MRI scan, makes all the difference.

What I treat

• Ankles that keep giving way (ankle instability)
• Ongoing pain and swelling after a sprain
• Achilles tendon problems and ruptures
• Sports injuries to the foot and ankle

Treatment

Many people do well with a structured rehabilitation programme and a brace. If the ankle is still unstable or painful, keyhole (arthroscopic) surgery can clean up the joint, and the ligaments can be repaired or tightened to make the ankle stable again. I’ve treated professional sportsmen and women as well as weekend runners and divers, and I’ll tailor the plan to what you want to get back to.

If you’ve just injured your ankle and can’t put weight on it, go to the emergency department first to rule out a fracture.