Recover from injury and restore mobility with expert ankle physio treatments.
Due to the ankle joint’s complexity and limited range of movement, ankle physio is a popular service in our clinic – among sporty and non-athletic clients alike. Ankle injuries are common, and we regularly provide physiotherapy treatment to patients with ankle joint pain, injuries to the ankle ligaments and other ankle conditions.
Minor or severe, ankle injuries can restrict your ability to walk, run and be active. Therefore, early intervention and tailored treatment plans are crucial to reduce ankle pain, rehabilitate injuries and improve ankle stability.
Discover how our skilled physios can restore mobility and prevent future injuries and chronic conditions from holding you back.
From minor sprains to complex fractures, the most common ankle injuries include:
Sprains occur when the ligaments supporting the ankle joint stretch or tear. This can result from a fall, blow or sudden changes in direction and jumping in sports such as tennis and soccer.
The most prevalent ankle injury, sprains vary from microscopic tears to complete ruptures, and are graded as follows:
There are two main types of sprain.
Treatment options include the RICE protocol, manual therapy, ankle taping or bracing and an exercise program to restore balance, stability, strength and mobility.
More severe, high ankle sprains impact the tibiofibular ligaments or surrounding ligaments of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis – the joint connecting the tibia and fibula.
This type of injury occurs when the foot is flexed, stuck on the ground and the ankle twists inward or outward, often during a collision. Symptoms include pain above the ankle joint and difficulty bearing weight.
Acute-stage treatment involves rest and immobilisation (taping, bracing or in a moon boot), progressing to mobility and strengthening exercises, manual therapy and balance training. Severe tears may require surgery.
Accidents, sporting injuries and falls on uneven surfaces can result in ankle fractures.
After 6-8 weeks of healing in a moon boot, rehabilitation exercise programs are recommended. However, in severe or complex fractures requiring surgery, recovery time can be 12 weeks or more.
Foot conditions causing ankle pain include:
It’s important to treat acute ankle injuries in the early stages to prevent chronic ankle instability and further injury.
At The Alignment Studio, we take a diagnostic approach to identifying soft tissue injury, referring clients for XRAY/MRI screening if necessary to assess for possible fractures or cartilage/tendon and ligament injury.
We then tailor a treatment plan including manual therapy to help heal injured tissues and structures so you can resume normal activities without risk of re-injury. Specific exercises are also prescribed to address strength, balance or stability issues.
Depending on the severity of the injury, we may use orthopaedic bracing or taping to immobilise or support your ankle.
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Our skilled physios use manual therapy techniques including joint mobilisation, stretching and myofascial release to reduce pain levels and restore the normal range of motion.
We develop a tailored treatment plan for each patient based on the type of injury and personal goals – from returning to elite sport to walking the dog without pain.
Rehabilitation Program: Your physio will design a tailored program to help you regain muscle strength. This includes weight-bearing and resistance band exercises to strengthen the small stabilising muscles around the ankle joint.
Calf raises are also beneficial as they strengthen the calf muscles, which is important for shock absorption and the stability of the ankle joint.
Balance Exercises: We also build a program of progressively more difficult exercises to improve balance/proprioception. Clinical Pilates is often integral to this.
Dry needling can also assist with ankle injuries, releasing muscle tightness and boosting blood flow for reduced pain and accelerated healing.
Our team works with athletes and active individuals and is experienced with sports injury management and ankle surgery recovery. We use biomechanical assessment tools to address problematic movement patterns for enhanced performance.
We also use strenuous manual techniques to help clients regain joint range of motion, including dorsiflexion (toe points up), plantarflexion (toe down), inversion (sole turns inward) and eversion (sole turns outward).
Your physio may suggest ankle brace use or ankle taping to help your injury heal and prevent future injuries.
Taping is typically used for Grade I or II sprains. Grade III sprains will often require bracing/booting as they are frequently associated with injuries to other structures.
Exercise programs including balance (proprioceptive) training and strength programs can reduce the risk of injury for active individuals and reduce the incidence of falls among older individuals.
The time frame for full recovery varies with the severity of the injury. A minor ankle sprain may heal in two weeks, while conditions such as plantar fasciitis can take several months.
Correct rehabilitation and ongoing care of ankle conditions are key to preventing chronic ankle instability and the likelihood of more severe sprains.
We give our clients the education and tools to maintain range of movement and enjoy an active recovery – allowing them to return to normal activities ASAP.
If you have persistent or nerve-related pain, ankle weakness, balance problems or recurring ankle injuries, an ankle physio can help.
In our clinic, we manage a full spectrum of ankle conditions and provide surgical referrals for severe cases as needed. Securing an appointment is quick and easy, with a convenient online booking option.
Physiotherapy is a highly effective intervention for chronic ankle instability. A tailored exercise program can improve balance and strengthen the musculature around the ankle to prevent injuries from recurring.
Recovery time for a high ankle sprain varies. A mild to moderate tear typically takes around 6 to 12 weeks. However, severe cases may take several months – particularly if surgery is required.
Sprains, Achilles tendinopathy and tears, fractures, instability, tarsal tunnel syndrome and peroneal tendinopathy are among the most common injuries and ankle conditions.
Proper treatment for an ankle injury reduces pain, accelerates tissue healing and assists with injury prevention. Booking a consultation with a qualified ankle physio should be your first step to restoring a full range of motion and enjoying an active life.
If you’re looking for a physio in Melbourne, our skilled team provides tailored treatment plans for different types of ankle pain and injuries – from minor to severe.
Book Online to start your ankle physio rehabilitation program, relieve pain and return to daily activities sooner.
