In the first 48 to 72 hours following an ankle injury, it's important to follow the RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression and elevation).

Depending on the severity of the ankle sprain, it may be necessary to have an x-ray done to rule out an ankle fracture.

Most ankle injuries can be treated non-surgically, but patients with severe injuries, ankle arthritis or Achilles tendon disorders may require it. There are virtually dozens of different surgical procedures performed, so you’ll need to work with your physician and orthopedic surgeon to determine the right one for you.

Today, many ankle surgeries are done using an arthroscope, which allows surgeons to see inside the joint and project an image onto a TV screen. The incision is also smaller, so arthroscopic surgery is less invasive and your healing time is shorter.

If you don’t have a fracture, you should seek treatment from a physiotherapist as soon as possible. The physiotherapist can assess the severity of the injury and create a customized treatment plan.