A sprained ankle occurs when you unnaturally twist your ankle, causing the ligaments holding your ankle bones together to stretch or tear. Most sprained ankles involve injuries to the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle.
Treatment for a sprained ankle depends on the severity of the damage. Although you may just need proper rest and pain medications to heal, it is important to have the sprain looked at by a professional to determine the severity and appropriate treatment.
After an ankle sprain or strain, proper rehabilitation is required to strengthen the muscles around the ankle and rehabilitate the tissues within the ankle that affect your balance. Also, physical therapy, medications, and bracing can help treat chronic ankle instability. Failure to do so may result in repeated ankle sprains or strains, and possibly surgery.