Ankle Sprains and Ankle Pain: Causes, Care and When to See a Podiatrist
Overview of Ankle Sprains and Pain
Ankle pain is a common complaint among people of all ages, with ankle sprains being the leading cause. Whether due to a sports injury, misstep, or repeated strain, ankle injuries can range from mild discomfort to serious ligament damage. At Happy Feet Podiatry in The Junction, NSW, we assess and treat ankle pain with evidence-based, personalised care to restore function and prevent recurrence.
What Is an Ankle Sprain and What Are the Symptoms?
An ankle sprain occurs when one or more of the ligaments supporting the ankle joint are overstretched or torn. Pain in the ankle can also stem from tendon irritation, joint instability, or chronic biomechanical issues.
Common symptoms include:
- Sudden pain following a twist or fall
- Swelling and bruising around the ankle
- Difficulty weight-bearing or walking
- A feeling of instability or weakness in the ankle
- Ongoing stiffness or aching following an old injury
Types of Ankle Sprains and Pain
There are several types of Ankle Sprains and Pain, each with varying degrees of severity:
Lateral Ankle Sprain
Most common; occurs when the foot rolls outward and strains the outer ligaments.
Medial Ankle Sprain
Less common; affects the ligaments on the inside of the ankle.
High Ankle Sprain
Involves ligaments above the ankle and typically occurs in high-impact sports.
Chronic Ankle Instability
Recurrent sprains and a sense of the ankle ‘giving way’.
Tendinopathy or Bursitis
Pain from overloaded or inflamed tendons and surrounding structures.
Understanding Ankle Pain Progression and How We Can Help at Each Stage
Early Stage
Symptoms: Mild swelling, discomfort, minor instability
Treatment: RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation), strapping, and activity modification.
Moderate Stage
Symptoms: Persistent swelling, pain during movement, reduced ankle strength.
Treatment: Gait analysis, taping or bracing, strengthening exercises, footwear support.
Advanced Stage
Symptoms: Chronic pain, instability, altered gait, limited activity.
Treatment: Long-term rehab, orthotics, proprioceptive retraining, and potentially referral for imaging or surgical opinion.
Primary Causes of Ankle Sprains and Pain
Sudden Twisting Injuries
Often due to sport, uneven surfaces, or footwear issues.
Weak Muscles or Poor Balance
Increases risk of missteps or rolling the ankle.
Poor Foot Biomechanics
Flat feet or high arches affect ankle stability.
Inadequate Rehabilitation from Previous Sprains
Can lead to chronic instability.
Risk Factors
Playing sports like netball, soccer, or basketball
Wearing high heels or unsupportive shoes
Walking on uneven terrain
History of previous ankle injuries
Hypermobile or stiff joints
Our podiatrists can help assess these factors and reduce your risk of repeat injury.
How Is Ankle Pain Diagnosed at Happy Feet Podiatry?
We perform a comprehensive assessment that includes:
Detailed Medical and Activity History: Understanding the cause and progression.
Physical Examination: Checking for swelling, ligament integrity, joint movement, and balance.
Gait and Biomechanical Analysis: Identifying foot posture and movement patterns.
Ultrasound Referral (if required): For detailed insight into ligament or tendon damage.
This approach ensures an accurate diagnosis and tailored care plan.
Get a Professional Assessment
Don’t let pain hold you back. Our expert podiatrists are here to help diagnose and treat your condition.
Podiatry Treatment Options at Happy Feet Podiatry for Ankle Pain
- Taping or Bracing: To stabilise and protect the ankle during healing.
- Custom Orthotics: To support foot posture and reduce strain.
- Footwear Recommendations: Ensures proper support and grip.
- Rehabilitation Programs: Strength, balance, and mobility exercises.
- Manual Therapy and Dry Needling: To release tight muscles and support joint mobility.
- Shockwave Therapy: For chronic tendon or ligament irritation.
We tailor all treatments based on the severity and type of injury.
Self-Care Tips for Ankle Sprains and Pain
- Use ice packs in the first 48–72 hours to reduce swelling
- Avoid weight-bearing if pain is severe—use crutches if needed
- Keep the foot elevated when resting
- Wear supportive shoes or a brace when returning to activity
- Start gentle range-of-motion exercises as advised by your podiatrist
Always seek professional advice before resuming sport or intense activity.
Prevention
- Warm up before exercise and train on even surfaces
- Wear properly fitted, activity-specific shoes
- Strengthen the ankle and surrounding muscles
- Address foot posture issues early with orthotic support
- Avoid returning to sport too soon after injury
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Don’t let pain limit your lifestyle. Contact our expert team today for a comprehensive assessment and personalized treatment plan.
Common Myths
Myth 1: "Ankle sprains are minor and don’t need treatment."
Truth: Untreated sprains can lead to chronic instability and repeated injuries.
Myth 2: "You should keep walking to ‘work it out’."
Truth: Rest is essential during the acute phase to prevent further damage.
Myth 3: "If there’s no swelling, it’s not serious."
Truth: Some ligament injuries don’t cause immediate swelling but still require care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to recover from an ankle sprain?
Can I prevent future ankle sprains?
When should I seek podiatry care?
Will I need a scan?
Can orthotics help?
Is it normal for an ankle to feel weak after a sprain?
When to See a Podiatrist for Ankle Pain
- Pain or swelling persists beyond 3–5 days
- Difficulty walking or weight-bearing
- Repeated ankle rolls or sprains
- Loss of ankle mobility or balance
- Pain interferes with work, sport, or daily life
Early care helps speed up recovery and reduces the risk of chronic instability.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you’ve rolled your ankle or you’re dealing with ongoing pain, we’re here to help. Book a consultation with Happy Feet Podiatry in The Junction, NSW today.
We’ll assess your injury and guide you back to strength and stability with compassionate, expert care.
Related Articles
Ankle Sprain and Ankle Pain: Causes, Treatment & Recovery Guide
Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries affecting Australians of all ages, from weekend warriors to professional athletes. Understanding the causes, proper treatment, and recovery strategies for ankle sprains and ongoing ankle pain is essential for preventing long-term complications and ensuring a safe return to activity.
References
- Healthdirect Australia. (2023). Ankle sprain. https://www.healthdirect.gov.
au/ankle-sprain - Australian Podiatry Association. (2023). Ankle injury assessment and management. https://www.podiatry.org.au
- Therapeutic Guidelines. (2024). Musculoskeletal injury protocols. https://www.tg.org.au
- RACGP. (2023). Ankle injuries in general practice. https://www.racgp.org.au
- Journal of Foot and Ankle Research. (2022). Outcomes of conservative care for ankle sprains. https://jfootankleres.biomed
central.com - Australian Journal of General Practice. (2022). Managing musculoskeletal ankle conditions. https://www1.racgp.org.au/
ajgp - La Trobe University. (2021). Balance and proprioception studies in lower limb rehab. https://www.latrobe.edu.au
- Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. (2022). Interventions for ankle sprain. https://www.cochranelibrary.
com - Podiatry Board of Australia. (2023). Best practice care in podiatric sports injuries. https://www.podiatryboard.
gov.au - University of Western Australia. (2020). Gait and postural control research. https://www.uwa.edu.au
- NSW Health. (2023). Soft tissue injury guidelines. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au
- Hunter New England Health. (2023). Community pathways for musculoskeletal care. https://www.hnehealth.nsw.
gov.au - Australian Physiotherapy Association. (2023). Rehab after sprains. https://australian.physio
- Sports Medicine Australia. (2023). Sports ankle injuries. https://sma.org.au
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. (2023). Musculoskeletal injury care standards. https://www.safetyandquality.
gov.au
References
- Healthdirect Australia. (2023). Ankle sprain. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/ankle-sprain
- Australian Podiatry Association. (2023). Ankle injury assessment and management. https://www.podiatry.org.au
- Therapeutic Guidelines. (2024). Musculoskeletal injury protocols. https://www.tg.org.au
- RACGP. (2023). Ankle injuries in general practice. https://www.racgp.org.au
- Journal of Foot and Ankle Research. (2022). Outcomes of conservative care for ankle sprains. https://jfootankleres.biomedcentral.com
- Australian Journal of General Practice. (2022). Managing musculoskeletal ankle conditions. https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp
- La Trobe University. (2021). Balance and proprioception studies in lower limb rehab. https://www.latrobe.edu.au
- Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. (2022). Interventions for ankle sprain. https://www.cochranelibrary.com
- Podiatry Board of Australia. (2023). Best practice care in podiatric sports injuries. https://www.podiatryboard.gov.au
- University of Western Australia. (2020). Gait and postural control research. https://www.uwa.edu.au
- NSW Health. (2023). Soft tissue injury guidelines. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au
- Hunter New England Health. (2023). Community pathways for musculoskeletal care. https://www.hnehealth.nsw.gov.au
- Australian Physiotherapy Association. (2023). Rehab after sprains. https://australian.physio
- Sports Medicine Australia. (2023). Sports ankle injuries. https://sma.org.au
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. (2023). Musculoskeletal injury care standards. https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au