Condition Guide
Ankle Sprain
An ankle sprain can cause pain, swelling, bruising and reduced confidence walking or returning to sport. Physiotherapy can help restore movement, strength, balance and safe return to activity.
Your partner in health and recovery
Condition Guide
An ankle sprain can cause pain, swelling, bruising and reduced confidence walking or returning to sport. Physiotherapy can help restore movement, strength, balance and safe return to activity.
Overview
An ankle sprain happens when ankle ligaments are stretched or injured.
Symptoms often follow rolling, twisting or landing awkwardly on the ankle.
Rehabilitation helps reduce the risk of repeated sprains and persistent instability.
Several factors may contribute, and the most relevant factors vary between people.
Seek prompt medical assessment if symptoms are associated with:
These symptoms do not automatically mean that a serious condition is present, but they should be assessed promptly by an appropriate medical professional.
Treatment is individualised and may include:
Mild sprains may settle relatively quickly, while more severe sprains can take longer. Rehabilitation is important even after pain improves because balance and control may remain reduced.
Possibly if you cannot weight-bear, heard a crack, have deformity or severe tenderness.
Early protection may help, but movement and loading are usually progressed as tolerated.
Balance and strength may not have fully recovered.
Yes, physiotherapy can guide staged return-to-sport criteria.
Yes.
Ankle sprain rehabilitation commonly includes movement, strengthening, balance training and progressive return to activity, with referral when fracture or severe injury is suspected.
Treatment recommendations should combine current evidence, clinical expertise and your individual assessment.
The ankle may feel better before it is ready for sport. Balance and confidence need to be rebuilt too.
Do not skip the balance work. It is one of the most important parts of preventing repeat sprains.
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Exercises should be selected according to the individual assessment. Exercise links remain marked as Resource in development until approved by Marna Webb.
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Contact Marna Webb Physiotherapy for an individual assessment and treatment plan.