Ankle Sprains & Strains

Physiotherapy for Ankle Sprains & Strains

Ankle sprains and strains are among the most common injuries seen in both athletes and everyday activity. Whether it happens during sport, a quick change in direction, or a simple misstep on uneven ground, these injuries can be painful and limit your ability to walk, run, or bear weight.

At Rehab8, we focus on accurate diagnosis, gentle recovery, and long-term joint stability to help you return to daily activities and sport with confidence.

1. Understanding Ankle Sprains and Strains

While often used interchangeably, sprains and strains involve different tissues:

• Ankle Sprain: Injury to the ligaments that connect bones in the ankle joint.
• Ankle Strain: Injury to the muscles or tendons that support ankle movement.

Most sprains occur when the ankle rolls outward (inversion), stretching or tearing the outer ligaments. Strains often occur from overstretching or overuse of the ankle’s stabilizing muscles.
Severity can range from mild stretching to partial or complete tears, influencing pain, swelling, and recovery time.
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2. Common Causes and Symptoms

Common causes:

• Sudden twisting or rolling of the ankle
• Landing awkwardly from a jump
• Uneven surfaces or poor footwear
• Weak ankle stabilizers or past injuries
• Rapid change in direction during sport
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Common symptoms:

• Pain or tenderness around the ankle
• Swelling and bruising
• Difficulty bearing weight
• Limited range of motion
• Feeling of instability or "giving way"
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Prompt assessment is important because untreated sprains can lead to chronic instability or recurring injuries.
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3. How Physiotherapy Helps Treat Hip Injuries

Physiotherapy plays a central role in restoring strength, mobility, and stability after an ankle injury. At Rehab8, your treatment plan is tailored to your injury’s severity and healing stage.

Accurate Assessment

We evaluate ligament and muscle integrity, swelling, joint mobility, and functional movement to identify the type and grade of injury.

Early-Stage Care

Techniques such as gentle manual therapy, compression, and controlled movement help reduce swelling and protect healing tissues.

Strength and Balance Training

Once pain subsides, progressive exercises focus on rebuilding strength, coordination, and balance to prevent re-injury.‍

Manual Therapy and Taping

Hands-on techniques improve joint mobility and reduce stiffness. Taping or bracing can provide support during sport or early return to activity.

Return-to-Activity Planning

We guide you through a safe progression back to work, exercise, and sport with strategies to maintain joint health and stability.

Our goal is not only to help heal your current injury but also to improve ankle resilience and reduce the risk of future injury.
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Takeaway

Ankle sprains and strains may seem minor, but without proper rehabilitation, they can lead to chronic pain or instability. Through a structured and personalized physiotherapy plan, Rehab8 helps restore your ankle’s strength, stability, and mobility so you can return to your daily activities and sport safely and confidently.