Introduction: Ankle sprain is defined as an injury of the lateral ligament complex of the ankle joint. The injury is commonly managed by immobilisation, functional treatment and surgical intervention. It has been found that, functional treatment significantly reduces the time taken to return to work when compared with immobilisation.The purpose of the study was to assess the efficacy of functional treatment in the management of ankle sprain. The injury is traditionally treated by immobilization in our setup.

Material & Methods: A total of 60 adult patients with unilateral ankle sprain were included in study. Complete general and local examination was performed. The radiographs were taken to exclude fractures. The local examination was repeated five days after injury. Instability when detected was documented. Patients with grade I sprain were not included in the study. All the patients with grade II and III ankle sprain were offered functional treatment.

Results:  Out of 60, 35 (58.33%) were female and 25 (41.66%) were male patients.

The age range was between 18 to 36 years. Out of 60 patients, 48 (80%) were diagnosed as having Grade II and 12 (20%) as having Grade III sprain. At the start of treatment the pain was sever in all cases, the movements at ankle joint were limited and painful. Anterior drawer test was positive in 12 (20%) patients. At the end of 8 weeks 58/60 (96.66%) patients were pain free with no swelling and full range of movement at ankle joint, and claimed maximum satisfaction. At 12 weeks all the patients were fully recovered and were fully satisfied with the treatment.

Conclusion: We are of the opinion that for grade II and III ankle sprain, functional treatment offers early recovery and good results