Ankle Injuries
Understanding Ankle Pain
Ankle pain often arises when the ligaments and tendons around the joint are overstretched or torn due to trauma, poor biomechanics, or repetitive stress. These injuries commonly result from sports, uneven surfaces, or sudden twists of the foot.
In many cases, the ankle requires external support and targeted rehabilitation to heal correctly. This may involve:
- Bracing or strapping
- Custom orthotic devices
- A structured exercise rehabilitation program
Proper diagnosis and management are key to preventing long-term instability or re-injury.
Types of Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains vary in severity and location, and treatment should be tailored accordingly. The two most common types are:
Low Ankle (Inversion) Sprain
This is the most common ankle sprain, occurring when the foot rolls inward and downward, damaging the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle.
- Affects the anterior talofibular, calcaneofibular, and posterior talofibular ligaments
- Often results in swelling, bruising, and tenderness around the outside of the ankle
High Ankle (Eversion) Sprain
This type of sprain occurs when the foot is forced into a pronated or rolled-in position. It affects:
- The deltoid ligament on the inside of the ankle
- The syndesmosis, a structure that stabilises the tibia and fibula (shin bones)
High ankle sprains tend to be more complex and require longer recovery due to the deeper stabilising structures involved.
How We Treat Ankle Injuries at Leading Edge Podiatry
Our treatment approach is based on both acute injury management and long-term rehabilitation to restore strength and stability.
Initial Injury Management (R.I.C.E Protocol)
Immediately after injury, we recommend:
- Protection: Prevent further damage using braces or immobilisation
- Off-load: Reduce stress on the injured area using crutches or supportive footwear
- Ice: Apply cold packs to reduce inflammation and pain
- Compression: Use bandages or wraps to control swelling and support the joint
- Elevation: Raise the ankle above heart level to reduce fluid buildup
Long-Term Recovery & Rehabilitation
Once the acute phase has passed, we focus on restoring function and preventing recurrence through:
- Progressive strengthening exercises to rebuild the ligaments, tendons, and muscles around the ankle
- Shockwave Therapy to break down scar tissue and stimulate tissue repair
- Dry Needling to improve flexibility and muscle release
- Custom Foot Orthotics to correct biomechanical faults contributing to ankle instability
- Proprioception and balance training to prevent future sprains and support return to sport
Why Proper Treatment Matters
A poorly managed ankle sprain can lead to:
- Chronic ankle instability
- Reduced mobility
- Increased risk of future injuries
- Persistent pain or swelling
Early and appropriate treatment can dramatically reduce these risks and help you regain full function.
❓ Still have questions about ankle injuries?
Visit our Lateral Ankle Sprain FAQ page or Medial Ankle Sprain FAQ page. Our ankle injury FAQs provide clear answers to the most common questions.
Let's Get You Back on Your Feet
If you’re experiencing ankle pain, swelling, or instability, let us help you get back on your feet with expert care and tailored rehabilitation.
👉 Book Online Now
📞 Or call us on 08 7120 6063 to speak with our experienced podiatry team
Related Pages
A technique of inserting fine filament needles into the muscle in the region of a “trigger point”.
Digital, customised foot orthotics prescribed by a podiatrist can be very helpful in the treatment of foot and ankle injuries.
Shockwave therapy can be very helpful in treating stubborn heel pain, achilles tendon injuries, and other chronic injuries of the foot and ankle.
FAQ's
Do I need a referral to see a Podiatrist?
You don’t usually need a referral from a doctor to see a podiatrist. However, DVA/NDIS, Workcover&...
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Your private health fund card (if applicable). Any relevant medical records, test results, x-rays, MRI scans,...
What does a podiatrist do?
Podiatrists are experts in foot and ankle health. They are healthcare professionals who can diagnose and...
Can Podiatrists help with Diabetes?
Podiatrists play a key role in the early detection and treatment of foot problems in people...
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