Ankle sprains are among the most common injuries in sports. Roughly 85% involve the lateral ligaments, usually when the ankle rolls inward. While many people treat ankle sprains as “minor injuries,” research shows they can lead to chronic instability and a recurrence rate above 70% in athletes if not managed properly.

Here’s what the science says about how to identify a sprain, when to suspect a fracture, and—most importantly—how to rehab an ankle sprain the right way.

Is Early Mobilization Really Better? (Evidence Says Yes)

A randomized controlled trial by Green et al. found that adding passive joint mobilization to early movement protocols led to:

• fewer sessions needed to regain pain-free dorsiflexion

• greater improvements in ROM

• faster walking speed

Another study by Tran et al. confirmed that early movement and strengthening are crucial components of effective ankle sprain rehab.

What About Icing? Does It Slow Healing?

Ice remains useful for pain management, but research is mixed on how it affects healing timelines.

Key findings:

• Thain et al. showed that cryotherapy does not impair neuromuscular control, meaning it is safe to use before rehabilitation.

• Bleakley et al. found that intermittent icing (short repeated bouts) reduces pain more effectively than one long application.

Bottom line:
Ice helps with pain, but optimal loading is what drives recovery.