Rehabilitation of the ankle.

The ankle is the most frequently injured major joint, and ankle sprain is the most frequent sports injury. If the injured ankle is managed correctly from the beginning, pain and swelling and the resultant disability will be kept to a minimum. Early return to participation predisposes the athlete to reinjury. Not only must strength and flexibility be restored, but the athlete must also be pain free and have regained his or her proprioceptive abilities.