Ankle Injuries
Ankle injuries are quite common. They can range from a small ‘roll’ of the ankle to significant injuries that require urgent medical attention.
Common ankle injuries include:
- Lateral ligaments sprains graded as mild to severe (Grade 1, 2 & 3)
- Medial Ligament or “Deltoid’ ligament sprains
- Syndesmosis or “high’ ankle sprains
We can also experience other injuries that occur with our ankle sprains and it is very important that they are not missed on your examination.
Often following an injury your ankle may become quite painful and swollen. You should consult your expert Sports Physiotherapists at Complete Balance as soon as possible to commence treatment. The earlier we address these the injuries, the better the results. Early treatment and management may include:
- Taping for stability
- Compression to reduce swelling
- Unloading the ankle- depending on the degree of injury this may mean a moon boot or crutches
- Ice bucket immersion
- Improving ankle range of motion & strength
To further reduce swelling you should try to avoid:
1) Long hot showers/ baths
2) Standing for long periods
3) Consuming alcohol
Often, people who experience ankle injuries stop doing their strength and stability work far to early. This can lead to longer term issues such as stiffness, reduced range of movement, recurrent injuries and pain.
Our experienced Sports Physiotherapists at Complete Balance Physio will guide you on a thorough rehabilitation program to ensure you reduce the risk of future issues.
Book Online Today to see our Experts Sports Physiotherapists and feel confident you are getting the very best in treatment, advice and rehabilitation for your Ankle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common ankle injuries?
The most common ankle injuries include ankle sprains, ligament tears, tendon injuries, and ankle instability. These injuries often occur during sports, running, jumping, or sudden changes in direction.
How can physiotherapy help with an ankle injury?
Physiotherapy helps reduce pain and swelling, restore mobility, rebuild strength, and improve balance and stability. Rehabilitation focuses on progressive strengthening and movement retraining to reduce the risk of recurrent ankle sprains.
How long does it take to recover from an ankle sprain?
Recovery time depends on the severity of the sprain. Mild sprains may improve within a few weeks, while more significant ligament injuries can require structured rehabilitation over several weeks to months to restore full stability and confidence.
When can I return to sport after an ankle injury?
Return to sport depends on pain levels, strength, balance, and functional testing. A physiotherapist will guide a structured progression including agility drills, jumping and landing training, and sport-specific movements to ensure safe return to play.
Can ankle injuries lead to long-term instability?
Yes. Without proper rehabilitation, ankle injuries can lead to chronic instability and repeated sprains. Targeted strength and balance training are essential to restore joint control and prevent ongoing issues.