Ankle PainSymptoms & Treatment
Ankle pain often follows a sprain or overload and typically responds well to progressive loading and balance training. Learn causes, management and how physio helps you return to sport.
What is ankle pain?
Ankle pain commonly arises from sprains, tendon irritation or joint overload. Early movement, protected loading and balance work help restore confidence and reduce re‑injury risk.
Imaging is rarely required unless there is significant trauma, inability to weight‑bear, or persistent symptoms not following an expected course. Your physiotherapist will advise if scans are appropriate.
Common causes
Ankle sprain
Lateral ligament injury from inversion; common in field and court sports.
Tendinopathy
Peroneal or Achilles overload with training spikes.
Impingement
Front or back of ankle pain with deep dorsiflexion/plantarflexion.
Joint irritation
Post‑sprain stiffness and ache that settles with movement/loading.
Training load
Higher risk in football, basketball, netball; prior sprain increases recurrence.
Common symptoms
- Pain and swelling after a twist/roll of the ankle
- Stiffness or instability on uneven ground
- Pain with hopping, changing direction or sprinting
- Reduced balance and confidence returning to sport
Related symptoms: Swelling, Reduced range of motion
How a physiotherapist can help
- Acute sprain care: protection, optimal loading, swelling management
- Progressive strengthening of calf, peroneals and foot intrinsics
- Balance, hopping and change‑of‑direction progressions
Effective treatments
Exercise therapy
- Range, calf/peroneal strength and return‑to‑run
- Balance and plyometric progressions for sport
Manual therapy (short‑term)
- Pain‑modulating techniques to support loading
- Joint mobilisation to restore dorsiflexion
Education & self‑management
- Load management and graded return timelines
- Bracing/taping for higher‑risk change‑of‑direction sports
Adjuncts
- Ice/compression early, short‑term analgesics as advised
- Soft tissue therapy as comfort measure
At‑home management
Mobility
- Ankle pumps (3 x 20 gentle reps)
- Alphabet with foot (1–2 sets)
- Calf stretch (3 x 20–30s)
Strength
- Calf raises (3 x 8–12)
- Resisted eversion (2–3 x 12–15)
- Single‑leg balance (3 x 20–30s)
Habits
- Gradually increase step count
- Use support/taping early for high‑risk activities
- Plan change‑of‑direction re‑entry late in rehab
Increase gradually if next‑day symptoms are acceptable. Reduce reps/sets during flares.
What to expect in physiotherapy
1) Assessment
- History, red‑flag screen, swelling and stability checks
- Agree goals (walking, stairs, running, sport)
2) Plan
- Education, swelling control and protected loading
- Balance and strength foundations
3) Progress
- Introduce running, hopping and change‑of‑direction
- Pass return‑to‑sport criteria before full games
Most improve in 2–12 weeks depending on severity; recurrent sprains may take longer.
FAQs
Do I need an X‑ray?
X‑ray is considered after significant trauma or if you cannot weight‑bear. Your clinician will advise.
When can I return to sport?
After pain and swelling settle, strength and balance progress, and you pass hopping/change‑of‑direction tests.
What about bracing?
Short‑term bracing/taping can reduce recurrence during high‑risk phases; wean as strength and control improve.
Related symptoms and possible conditions
Related symptoms
Possible conditions
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.