She was sporting that smile as well as walking sticks and a bandaged leg last November, at one of her final public appearances.

For athletes with moderate to severe sprains who arereturning to sports, the use of a functional ankle brace or air stirrup, ortapingon a long-term basis, will help prevent recurrent injury.

Instead, lead researcher Professor Andrea Nelson said: "The best way to do that is with compression bandages and support stocking coupled with advice on diet and exercise."