Ankle Sprains at Foot Foundation
Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries, often caused by rolling or twisting the ankle beyond its normal movement. This can stretch or tear the ligaments that stabilise the joint, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. Sprains can be mild or severe, and without proper care, they often lead to recurring injuries and long-term instability.
At Foot Foundation, treatment goes beyond short-term relief. We provide specialist assessment, acute management, and tailored rehabilitation programmes to restore ankle stability, rebuild strength, and reduce the risk of future sprains.
What is an Ankle Sprain?
An ankle sprain is one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries, typically caused by rolling or twisting the ankle beyond its normal range.
This leads to stretching or tearing of the supporting ligaments, most often on the outside (lateral) aspect of the ankle.
Grade I (Mild): microscopic ligament tearing, minimal swelling
Grade II (Moderate): partial ligament tear, swelling and bruising, difficulty walking
Grade III (Severe): complete ligament rupture, significant instability, unable to bear weight
At Foot Foundation, we specialise in accurate diagnosis, acute management, and long-term rehabilitation to restore stability and prevent chronic ankle problems.
Causes & Risk Factors
Sudden inversion or “rolling” of the ankle
Sports with cutting, jumping, or rapid direction changes (e.g. netball, basketball, football)
Poor footwear or uneven surfaces
Previous ankle injury (most significant risk factor for recurrence)
Weak peroneal muscles or poor balance
Joint laxity or hypermobility
High-heeled or unstable shoes
Fatigue, leading to reduced neuromuscular control
Treatment at Foot Foundation
Acute management (first 48 hours): RICE protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) plus protected weight-bearing if required
Strapping or bracing – to stabilise the joint during recovery
Manual therapy – joint mobilisation, soft tissue release
Custom orthotics – correct biomechanics and improve stability
Rehabilitation programs – strength, balance, and proprioceptive training to prevent recurrence
Shockwave therapy – for persistent ligament pain or scar tissue
Return-to-sport planning – graded, sport-specific rehabilitation
Referral – to orthopaedics if high-grade ligament rupture or associated fracture suspected
Symptoms
Pain on the outer side of the ankle (most common – lateral ligament complex)
Swelling and bruising around the ankle
Difficulty bearing weight or walking
Tenderness over the injured ligaments (usually ATFL – anterior talofibular ligament)
Feeling of instability or “giving way”
Diagnosis
At Foot Foundation, diagnosis is made through:
Clinical history and mechanism of injury assessment
Palpation of the ligament complex (ATFL, CFL, PTFL)
Functional tests (balance, strength, gait assessment)
Imaging:
X-ray if fracture suspected (using Ottawa Ankle Rules)
Ultrasound or MRI for severe injuries or suspected syndesmosis (“high ankle sprain”)
Ankle Sprains – FAQs
What ligaments are injured in an ankle sprain?
Most ankle sprains affect the lateral ligament complex: the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), and posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL). Medial (deltoid) sprains and high ankle (syndesmosis) injuries are less common but often more severe.
How long does an ankle sprain take to heal?
Grade I (mild): 1–3 weeks
Grade II (moderate): 4–6 weeks
Grade III (severe): 8–12 weeks or more, often requiring structured rehabilitation
Do I need an X-ray for an ankle sprain?
Not always. X-rays are required if there is suspicion of fracture (e.g. inability to walk 4 steps immediately after injury, or significant bony tenderness). The Ottawa Ankle Rules help determine the need for imaging.
Can I walk on a sprained ankle?
In mild sprains, weight-bearing may be possible. In moderate-to-severe cases, walking too soon can worsen the injury. A podiatrist can guide when and how to return to normal activity safely.
Why does my ankle keep rolling after a sprain?
This may be due to chronic ankle instability – a condition where weakened ligaments and poor neuromuscular control cause repeated sprains. Specialist rehabilitation and orthotic support can help restore stability.
Should ankle sprains always be strapped or braced?
Yes, in the short term. Strapping or bracing provides external stability while ligaments heal. Long-term reliance should be avoided – strengthening and balance retraining are essential to restore natural stability.
What is a high ankle sprain?
A high ankle sprain involves the syndesmotic ligaments that stabilise the tibia and fibula above the ankle joint. These injuries are less common but more serious, often requiring longer recovery and sometimes surgical intervention.
Can orthotics help ankle sprains?
Yes. Orthotics can reduce excessive pronation or supination, improve balance, and decrease risk of recurrent injury. They are especially useful for athletes with chronic instability.
When should I see a podiatrist for an ankle sprain?
If you cannot bear weight, if swelling and pain are severe, or if ankle pain persists beyond one week, you should seek specialist care. Early treatment prevents long-term complications.
Why Choose Foot Foundation?
At Foot Foundation, we provide specialist-level care for ankle sprains, combining acute injury management with comprehensive rehabilitation. Our podiatrists and physiotherapists use advanced diagnostics, orthotic support, and strength/balance programs to restore stability and prevent recurrence.
With clinics in Rosedale, Takapuna, Remuera, Botany, Hamilton, and Tauranga,
Foot Foundation offers expert ankle injury care across New Zealand.
