Ankle Sprains
Rolled your ankle? You’re not alone. Lateral ankle sprains are one of the most common sporting and everyday injuries, often happening with a sudden twist or an awkward step. While they might seem minor at first, untreated or poorly managed sprains can lead to long-term instability and recurring injuries.
What Is a Lateral Ankle Sprain?
A lateral ankle sprain happens when the foot rolls outwards, placing excessive stretch or tearing force on the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. There are four ligaments that make up the lateral ankle complex, but the two most commonly injured ligaments are:
ATFL (Anterior Talofibular Ligament) – This is the most frequently injured ligament in ankle sprains. It’s often damaged during rapid inversion and plantarflexion (toes pointing down).
CFL (Calcaneofibular Ligament) – Often injured in more severe or higher-grade sprains, particularly when the foot rolls further under the body.
Common symptoms include:
Pain and swelling on the outside of the ankle
Bruising that may extend to the foot
Difficulty walking or bearing weight
A feeling of “giving way” or instability
Should I Just Rest It?
While rest is important in the first few days, early movement and guided rehab are essential for full recovery. Simply resting without proper rehabilitation increases the risk of chronic ankle instability and future sprains.
How Physiotherapy Helps Lateral Ankle Sprains
1. Acute Injury Management
In the first 48–72 hours, we’ll help you manage pain and swelling using the RICER protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation, Referral) and guide whether imaging is necessary.
2. Restore Range and Reduce Swelling
Physio’s use manual therapy and gentle mobility exercises to restore joint range and reduce swelling—especially important if the ankle is stiff or feels “locked up.”
3. Strengthening and Proprioception
Once pain subsides, we shift focus to strengthening the surrounding muscles and improving proprioception (joint position sense). This reduces your risk of re-injury and restores your ability to run, pivot, or balance.
4. Return to Sport
We provide a graded return-to-sport or return-to-activity program, including jumping, cutting, and landing mechanics if needed, so you regain full confidence in your ankle.
When to See a Physio for an Ankle Sprain
If you’re unable to walk without limping, have significant swelling or bruising, or have a history of recurrent ankle sprains, it's a good idea to see a physiotherapist. Early treatment can make a huge difference in healing time and long-term outcomes.
Lateral ankle sprains are common—but they shouldn’t be underestimated. At Shenton Quarter Physio, our team is experienced in treating both acute and chronic ankle sprains, tailoring your treatment to get you back to sport, work, or daily life quickly and safely. Contact Shenton Quarter Physio in Shenton Park to book your appointment and take the first step toward a strong, stable recovery.