Lateral Ankle Sprain Treatment in Nevada City & Grass Valley

Rolling your ankle can happen in an instant — stepping off a curb wrong, landing from a jump, or cutting during a workout. But what happens next matters more than the injury itself.

At Radius Physical + Sports Rehab, we help patients throughout Nevada City, Grass Valley, and Nevada County recover from ankle sprains the right way — restoring strength, stability, and confidence so you don’t end up dealing with repeat injuries.

If you’re searching for ankle sprain treatment near Nevada City, physical rehabilitation for ankle injuries, or wondering how long a sprained ankle takes to heal, here’s what you should know.

What Is a Lateral Ankle Sprain?

A lateral ankle sprain occurs when the foot rolls inward, overstretching or tearing the ligaments on the outside of the ankle.

The most commonly affected ligaments include:

• Anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) – most frequently injured

• Calcaneofibular ligament (CFL)

• Posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL)

Sprains are classified by severity:

Grade I – Mild stretch, minimal tearing
Grade II – Partial tear with swelling and some instability
Grade III – Complete tear with significant swelling and instability

Even mild sprains need proper rehab to prevent future problems.

First Things First: Do You Need Imaging?

At Radius, your evaluation begins with a thorough assessment. We use the evidence-based Ottawa Ankle Rules to determine if an X-ray is necessary to rule out a fracture.

Imaging may be recommended if there is:

• Bone tenderness along the ankle bones

• Inability to bear weight for four steps

• Signs that suggest a fracture rather than a ligament injury

This helps ensure you get the right level of care from the start.

Why Ankle Sprains Keep Coming Back

The biggest predictor of a future ankle sprain is a previous ankle sprain.

Other risk factors include:

• Limited ankle mobility

• Weakness in the foot, ankle, or hips

• Poor balance or coordination

• Fatigue or sudden increases in activity

Without structured rehab, many people develop chronic ankle instability, leading to repeated injuries and decreased performance.

How Long Does a Sprained Ankle Take to Heal?

Recovery time varies based on severity:

• Grade I: 1–3 weeks

• Grade II: 3–6 weeks

• Grade III: 6–12+ weeks

But here’s the key:
Pain going away does not mean the ankle is fully healed.

True recovery requires:

• Restored mobility

• Full strength

• Balance and control

• Confidence with movement

Returning too soon significantly increases the risk of re-injury.

What Actually Helps Ankle Sprains Heal

Early, Guided Movement

Current research supports early, controlled movement instead of prolonged rest or immobilization.

Early movement helps:

• Improve circulation

• Prevent stiffness

• Restore joint mechanics

• Support proper tissue healing

At Radius, we guide you through progressive loading so your ankle heals safely while regaining function.

Managing Swelling the Right Way

Ice can help with pain during the early phase:

• 10–15 minutes at a time

• Used for comfort, not constant icing

Swelling is part of the healing process — our goal is to manage it, not eliminate it completely.

How We Treat Ankle Sprains at Radius

Our care combines hands-on treatment with progressive rehab tailored to your goals.

Manual Therapy

We address:

• Calf and ankle tightness

• Peroneal muscle irritation

• Swelling and tissue restriction

This helps reduce pain and improve mobility.

Joint Mobilization

After a sprain, ankle motion — especially dorsiflexion — is often limited. Targeted joint work helps:

• Restore normal ankle mechanics

• Improve walking and squatting

• Support return to running and sport

Progressive Rehabilitation

Recovery happens in phases:

Phase 1: Restore Motion

• Ankle circles

• Controlled mobility drills

• Gentle range-of-motion work

Phase 2: Build Strength

• Resistance band exercises

• Calf strengthening

• Stabilizer muscle training

Phase 3: Return to Movement

• Single-leg balance

• Step-down progressions

• Jumping, cutting, or return-to-run training

Our goal isn’t just symptom relief — it’s getting you back to full, confident movement.

Active Rehab is commonly used for:

• Rotator Cuff Injuries (see link)

• Tennis Elbow Treatment (see link)

• Calf Strain Rehabilitation (see link)

• Morton’s Neuroma Recovery (see link)

When Should You Get Your Ankle Checked?

Consider an evaluation if:

• Pain lasts more than 1–2 days

• Your ankle feels unstable or “wobbly”

• You want to return to sport or activity safely

• You’ve had multiple ankle sprains

Early treatment often means faster recovery and fewer long-term problems.

Local Care You Can Trust

Don’t Just Wait It Out

Untreated ankle sprains can lead to:

• Recurrent injuries

• Chronic instability

• Ongoing stiffness

• Reduced performance

With the right care, most ankle sprains recover fully — and stay that way.

Ready to Get Your Ankle Back on Track?

If you’ve recently rolled your ankle or keep dealing with repeat sprains, we’re here to help.

What to expect at your first visit
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Schedule your ankle evaluation today and start a recovery plan built for long-term stability and performance.

📍 Radius Physical + Sports Rehab
Nevada City & Grass Valley
📞 (530) 955-0065
Book online anytime.