The Science Behind Why You Sprain Your Ankle So Often, And What You Can Do About It - ScienceAlert

Strong evidence from studies suggests once people sprain their ankle, they are more likely to re-sprain it.

As one review of the evidence put it: "A history of lateral ankle sprain is known to disrupt the structural integrity of the ligaments and sensorimotor function, likely impairing an individual's ability to avoid injurious situations.".

But some people can end up with what's known as chronic ankle instability, where they tend to re-sprain their ankle again and again.

Another review looking at factors contributing to chronic ankle instability found "feelings of instability and recurrent ankle sprain injuries (termed chronic ankle instability, or CAI) have been reported in up to 70 percent of patients. The subsequent development of CAI has adverse health consequences including reduced quality of life and early-onset osteoarthritis.".

This is unfortunate, as evidence suggests people with a history of ankle sprains will likely:

Research suggests people who sprain their ankle may be more likely to have injuries to other joints on the same leg, or even the opposite leg. A review in the International Journal of Sports Physiotherapy noted "an ankle sprain is linked to both re-injury and subsequent injury to the contralateral side".