Ankle Sprain Treatment at Foot Foundation
An ankle sprain is one of the most common injuries affecting the foot and ankle, often occurring when the joint is rolled, twisted, or forced beyond its normal range. This can lead to stretching or tearing of the ligaments that stabilise the ankle.
Although many people consider ankle sprains to be minor, improper management can lead to chronic instability, repeated injuries, and long-term joint problems. Early diagnosis and structured rehabilitation are essential to restore stability and prevent recurrence.
At Foot Foundation, care focuses on accurate diagnosis, immediate injury management, and progressive rehabilitation. Treatment is tailored to the severity of the injury, with the goal of restoring full function and reducing the risk of future sprains.
What Is an Ankle Sprain?
n ankle sprain occurs when one or more ligaments of the ankle are stretched or torn. The most commonly affected ligaments are located on the outer (lateral) side of the ankle.
Sprains are typically classified by severity:
Grade I (Mild)
Microscopic ligament damage with minimal swelling and mild discomfortGrade II (Moderate)
Partial ligament tear with swelling, bruising, and difficulty walkingGrade III (Severe)
Complete ligament rupture with significant instability and inability to bear weight
Understanding the grade of injury is critical, as it determines the appropriate treatment and recovery timeline.
Causes and Risk Factors
Ankle sprains usually occur during movement, particularly when the foot rolls inward unexpectedly.
Common causes and contributing factors include:
Sudden inversion or rolling of the ankle
Sports involving jumping, cutting, or rapid direction changes
Uneven ground or unstable surfaces
Poor footwear lacking support
Previous ankle sprains
Weak ankle stabilising muscles
Poor balance or proprioception
Joint laxity or hypermobility
Fatigue affecting coordination
Previous injury is the strongest predictor of future sprains, making proper rehabilitation essential.
Symptoms of an Ankle Sprain
Symptoms vary depending on severity but often appear immediately after injury.
Common symptoms include:
Pain on the outer side of the ankle
Swelling around the joint
Bruising that develops over time
Difficulty walking or bearing weight
Tenderness over the ligaments
Reduced range of motion
Feeling of instability or the ankle “giving way”
Severe sprains may present with significant swelling and inability to stand.
How Ankle Sprains Are Diagnosed
Accurate diagnosis ensures appropriate treatment and helps rule out fractures or more serious injuries.
Assessment at Foot Foundation includes:
Detailed history of the injury
Palpation of the ligament structures
Functional testing of strength and stability
Gait and movement assessment
Imaging may be required:
X-ray if fracture is suspected using clinical guidelines
Ultrasound or MRI for severe ligament injury or high ankle sprains
This structured approach ensures nothing is missed.
Evidence-Based Treatment at Foot Foundation
Treatment depends on injury severity and patient activity level.
Acute Management (First 48 Hours)
Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE) to control swelling and pain
Protected weight-bearing where required
Strapping or Bracing
External support to stabilise the ankle during healing
Manual Therapy
Joint mobilisation and soft tissue work to restore movement
Custom Orthotics
Improve alignment and reduce stress on the ankle
Rehabilitation Programmes
Progressive strengthening, balance, and proprioception training
Shockwave Therapy
Used for persistent ligament pain or scar tissue
Return-to-Sport Planning
Structured progression to safely return to activity
Referral Pathways
Orthopaedic referral if severe ligament rupture or fracture is suspected
When to Seek Professional Care
Assessment is recommended if:
Pain persists beyond several days
You are unable to bear weight
Swelling or bruising is severe
The ankle feels unstable
You have repeated ankle sprains
Early intervention significantly reduces long-term complications.
Preventing Future Ankle Sprains
Long-term prevention focuses on improving stability and movement control.
Key strategies include:
Strengthening ankle and lower leg muscles
Balance and proprioception training
Wearing supportive footwear
Using orthotics when indicated
Gradually increasing activity intensity
Completing full rehabilitation before returning to sport
Failure to rehabilitate properly is the main reason sprains recur.
Ankle Sprain Treatment in Auckland
Foot Foundation provides ankle sprain assessment and rehabilitation across Auckland, including:
Remuera – Suite 5/102 Remuera Road
Botany – 110 Michael Jones Drive
Pinehill – 50 Greville Road
Smales Farm – 74 Taharoto Road Takapuna
Treatment focuses on restoring stability, reducing pain, and preventing long-term ankle issues.
Ankle Sprain Treatment in Hamilton
Comprehensive care is available across Hamilton locations, including:
Hamilton Central – 7/127 Collingwood Street
Hamilton East – 16 Beale Street
Patients receive structured rehabilitation, orthotic support, and return-to-activity planning.
Ankle Sprain Treatment in Tauranga
At our Tauranga clinic:
Tauranga (Bethlehem) – 253A State Highway 2
Care is focused on restoring movement, preventing recurrence, and supporting long-term ankle health.
