Conditions we treat
Ankle Sprains
Reviewed by Andrew Macdonald, Senior Physiotherapist — AHPRA registered, APA member
What is an Ankle Sprain?
An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle joint are stretched or torn, most often when the foot rolls inward and the ankle twists — a common injury in sport, but just as likely from an uneven footpath or misjudged step.
Symptoms
Symptoms include pain, swelling and bruising around the ankle, difficulty bearing weight, and a feeling of instability, particularly on uneven ground.
Treatment
Early treatment focuses on managing swelling and pain and restoring range of motion, using manual therapy and taping or strapping for support. As pain settles, Andrew’s focus shifts to rebuilding strength and — critically — balance and proprioception (your ankle’s sense of position), since this is what most reduces the risk of re-spraining.
Incomplete rehabilitation is the single biggest reason ankle sprains become a recurring problem. Even a “minor” sprain benefits from a proper strengthening and balance programme rather than just resting until the pain goes away.
How we treat it
Treatments used for ankle sprains
Manual TherapyManual therapy uses hands-on techniques — soft tissue work, trigger point therapy, joint mobilisation and fascia distortion release — to ease pain, restore movement and speed recovery.
Exercise RehabilitationA structured, progressive exercise programme — tailored to your condition and stage of recovery — to rebuild strength, restore movement and prevent injuries recurring.Frequently asked questions
How do you tell if you've sprained or broken your ankle?
Both can cause pain, swelling and difficulty bearing weight, so it's not always obvious without an examination. If you're unable to take any weight on the ankle at all, or there's visible deformity, seek an X-ray; otherwise, a physiotherapy assessment can determine the extent of ligament damage and whether imaging is needed.
How long does a sprained ankle take to heal?
Mild sprains can improve within 1 to 2 weeks, while more significant ligament damage can take 6 weeks or longer, particularly to rebuild the strength and balance needed to prevent it happening again. The single biggest reason ankle sprains become a recurring problem is stopping treatment once the pain settles, before the ankle is actually strong and stable again.
Should I keep weight off a sprained ankle?
In the first day or two, avoiding aggravating movements helps manage swelling, but prolonged complete rest isn't necessary for most sprains and can slow recovery. Andrew's early treatment focuses on managing swelling while restoring movement as soon as it's appropriate.
When can I return to sport after an ankle sprain?
This depends on rebuilding strength and — critically — balance and proprioception, not just on pain settling. Returning to sport too early, before this rehabilitation is complete, is the main reason ankles keep re-spraining, so Andrew guides this based on how your ankle is actually performing, not just the calendar.
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