Ankle injuries are among the most common musculoskeletal presentations in both sport and everyday life. They range from mild ligament sprains that settle within days, through to fractures, tendon ruptures and chronic instability that require structured rehabilitation and sometimes surgical management.
The ankle joint is stabilised by a complex network of ligaments, tendons and bones, and because it absorbs significant load with every step, injuries here can have a meaningful impact on mobility, activity and quality of life if not properly managed.
Types of Ankle Injuries We Treat
Ankle Sprains (Rolled Ankle)
The most common ankle injury. An ankle sprain occurs when the ankle rolls inward, usually during sport or a misstep, causing the outer ligaments to stretch or tear. Sprains are graded by severity, depending on the degree of tearing to the ligaments. In most cases, X-rays are performed to rule out a fracture or dislocation.
| Grade 1 (Mild Stretching) |
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| Grade 2 (Partial Stretching) |
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| Grade 3 (Complete Tear) |
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Ankle Fractures
A break in one or more of the bones that form the ankle joint. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising and difficulty bearing weight. Fractures require imaging to confirm and may be managed conservatively with immobilisation or surgically depending on severity.
Tendon Injuries
Including Achilles tendinopathy, peroneal tendinopathy and posterior tibial tendon dysfunction — all of which cause localised pain, swelling and reduced function around the ankle joint.
Ankle Strains
Injury to the muscles or tendons supporting the ankle from overuse or sudden force. Common in athletes returning from rest or increasing training load too quickly.
Chronic Ankle Instability
A longer-term consequence of repeated or inadequately rehabilitated ankle sprains, where the ankle feels unstable, gives way regularly and limits confidence in activity.
Ankle Dislocations
Less commonly, these occur when the bones of the ankle are forced out of their normal position, typically following significant trauma. Require urgent management and usually orthopaedic referral.
Signs You Should Get Your Ankle Assessed
- Pain, swelling or bruising following a roll or twist of the ankle
- Difficulty bearing weight or walking after an ankle injury
- Instability — a feeling that the ankle may give way
- Ongoing ankle pain that hasn’t settled within a week of injury
- Recurring ankle sprains despite previous treatment
- Ankle pain during or after sport that’s affecting your performance
If you’re unsure whether your ankle is sprained or fractured, don’t wait — get it assessed.
How We Treat Ankle Injuries
Ankle injury treatment is most effective when it matches the type, grade and stage of the injury. At Highett Podiatry, our management approach includes:
- Diagnosis and imaging — physical examination to assess ligament integrity, joint stability and swelling, with X-ray or ultrasound referral where fracture or tendon damage is suspected
- Acute injury management — strapping, bracing or a CAM walker (moon boot) to immobilise and protect the ankle in the early stages
- Soft tissue therapy — ultrasound therapy, deep tissue massage and dry needling to reduce pain, swelling and muscle guarding around the ankle
- Progressive rehabilitation program — a staged return-to-activity plan covering range of motion, strength, proprioception, and sport-specific movement to restore full function and reduce the risk of re-injury
- Ankle strapping and bracing — for athletes returning to sport, strapping and ankle bracing provide joint support, reduce re-injury risk and restore confidence in the ankle
- Custom orthotics — to address biomechanical contributors to ankle instability or overuse, particularly where foot posture is loading the ankle unevenly
- Surgical referral — for Grade 3 ligament tears, fractures requiring fixation or chronic instability that hasn’t responded to conservative management, we’ll coordinate orthopaedic referral
What May Rehabilitation Look Like?
Research shows that early mobilisation and the use of specific modalities on ankle sprains result in better outcomes. Most ankle injuries heal within 2–6 weeks, although a severe sprain can take up to 12 weeks.
Appropriate rehabilitation is crucial in preventing the injury from recurring and reducing long-term ankle instability.
Our customised rehabilitation programmes may include exercises for strengthening and stabilising the ankle joint, bracing or strapping to provide support through the process.
Why Choose Highett Podiatry?
Ankle injuries are one of our most common presentations, and we offer appointments for ankle injuries, sprains, and fractures at both our Highett and Mentone clinic locations.
We also work with a range of sports clubs and athletes across Melbourne, and our team includes podiatrists with specialist interests in sports injuries, AFL, netball and dance-related ankle presentations.
Book your appointment now with no referral required.