Ankle sprains are the most under-treated injury we see. Most people never rehab them at all, which is why up to half of sprains become repeat sprains and a portion become chronically unstable ankles. The foot and ankle also produce two of the most stubborn overuse problems in sport and middle age: Achilles tendinopathy and plantar heel pain. All three respond well to physiotherapy done thoroughly.
Ankle sprains, done right
A lateral ankle sprain needs more than ice and a compression sock. Proper management means ruling out fracture (we screen using the Ottawa ankle rules and refer for X-ray when indicated), a short protection phase, then progressive rehab of strength, balance and landing control. The balance retraining is the part everyone skips and the part that prevents the next sprain. High ankle sprains and syndesmosis injuries behave differently and take longer, and spotting them early changes the plan.
Achilles tendinopathy
The classic story is a runner, surfer or netballer in their 30s to 50s with a stiff, sore Achilles first thing in the morning that warms up with activity. Rest alone fails here. The evidence-based treatment is progressive tendon loading over roughly three months, managed around your training rather than instead of it. We also address the usual drivers: sudden load spikes, calf weakness and footwear changes.
Plantar heel pain
Often called plantar fasciitis, this is first-step heel pain that can drag on for a year or more untreated. Treatment combines calf and foot strengthening, load management, taping for short-term relief and footwear advice. Most cases settle without injections, and the earlier it is treated the faster it goes.
When it is not a sprain
Inability to take four steps straight after injury, bony tenderness at the back of either ankle bone, numbness, or a popping sensation with sudden calf pain all need medical assessment before rehab, and a suspected Achilles rupture is an urgent referral. We screen for all of these at the first visit.
Rolled it again at touch footy?
Break the re-sprain cycle this time. Call for an assessment.
Call (07) 5221 5254Should I get an X-ray after an ankle sprain?
Only if specific findings are present, such as bony tenderness in defined spots or inability to weight-bear, which is what the Ottawa ankle rules check. We apply them at assessment and refer when indicated.
Why does my ankle still feel weak months later?
Usually because strength and balance were never retrained. The ligament heals but the control system around it stays switched off without specific rehab, and that is fixable at any stage.
Do orthotics fix plantar fasciitis?
They can be one useful tool for short-term symptom relief, but the evidence consistently favours loading programs as the core treatment. We advise case by case rather than selling everyone an insert.