If you’ve twisted your ankle recently, you’re not alone. With Mumbai roads constantly dug up and uneven surfaces everywhere, ankle sprains have become one of the most common daily injuries. I now see 4–5 new ankle sprain cases every day — and most of them stem from preventable causes.
Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments around the ankle stretch or tear, usually due to sudden twisting or stepping on uneven ground.
While they may seem “minor,” untreated sprains can lead to chronic pain, instability, and repeated injuries. Understanding the triggers — and healing them correctly — makes a huge difference.
Why Ankle Sprains Are Rising in Mumbai:
Uneven, Broken Roads and Construction Zones : Daily commuting involves navigating dug-up roads, loose stones, paver blocks, and sudden step-offs. Even a slight misstep can cause the foot to roll inward, triggering a ligament tear. This is one of the most frequent causes patients report at clinics.
Footpaths With Sudden Height Differences : The inconsistent height of tiles or missing blocks forces the ankle into awkward angles that can easily sprain it.
Inadequate Footwear : Slippers, worn-out shoes, or flat footwear offer poor ankle support. Combined with Mumbai’s uneven surfaces, this becomes extremely risky.
Rushing Through Crowds : Fast walking, running for trains, or navigating busy markets increases the chances of sudden missteps.
Previous Untreated Sprain : One of the biggest reasons you’re getting repeat sprains is because the first injury was never fully treated, leading to weak ligaments and poor balance.
Symptoms You Should Never Ignore:
- Swelling within minutes
- Pain on the outer side of the ankle
- Difficulty bearing weight
- Bruising
- A feeling of the ankle “giving way”
If you feel these signs, immediate and correct treatment is crucial.
Common Mistakes That Slow Down Healing :
- Walking Immediately After Injury:This worsens ligament tears and increases swelling.
- Skipping your Orthopaedic consult :Many sprains hide small fractures. An Orthopaedic surgeon may advise an X-ray based on clinical examination. An X-ray confirms the severity.
- Not Using an Ankle Brace: A brace stabilizes the joint and prevents further injury during the early healing phase.
How to Heal an Ankle Sprain Correctly
- RICE Protocol for First 48 Hours
- Compression bandage (not too tight)
- Elevation above heart level
- Use a Support Brace:Especially while walking on uneven Mumbai surfaces.
- Avoid High-Impact Activities:Running, jumping, or uneven terrain until cleared by your orthopaedic specialist.
Mumbai’s unpredictable road conditions make ankle sprains extremely common — but the good news is they are highly treatable with timely care. If you experience swelling, pain, instability, or difficulty walking, consult an orthopaedic specialist immediately. Proper diagnosis, bracing, and physiotherapy ensure complete healing and prevent chronic recurrent sprains.