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Ankle Sprain: A Helpful Guide

By Double Bay Podiatry,
Expert Foot Care In Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.

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If you're struggling with an Ankle Sprain in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, Dr Emily Alston and her team at Double Bay Podiatry are here to help.

The following guide provides important insights into the causes, symptoms and treatment options for Ankle Sprains, helping you to take the first steps toward recovery. If your pain persists, contact the Double Bay clinic for expert advice and personalised care tailored to your needs.

Ankle Sprain Contents

What Is An Ankle Sprain?

Ankle Sprains occur when the ligaments supporting the ankle are stretched or torn, usually due to a sudden twist or awkward movement. This common injury can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking, making even simple tasks challenging.

Ankle sprains range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of ligament damage. Prompt treatment is essential to reduce pain, prevent further injury, and restore mobility. This guide explains the symptoms, causes, treatments, and prevention tips to help you recover effectively.

Wishing you a smooth recovery,

The Double Bay Podiatry Team

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What Are the Symptoms of an Ankle Sprain?

Ankle Sprains cause a variety of symptoms, depending on the severity of the injury.

Common signs include:

  • Pain and tenderness around the ankle, especially when moving or bearing weight.
  • Swelling, which may spread to the foot or lower leg.
  • Bruising, indicating tissue damage from the injury.
  • Reduced range of motion, making it hard to move the ankle normally.
  • Instability, where the ankle feels wobbly or prone to giving way.
  • A popping or snapping sensation at the time of injury, possibly indicating ligament damage.

If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.

5 Common Causes Of Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains happen when the ankle twists beyond its normal range of motion, damaging its supporting ligaments.

Common causes include:
  1. Sports or physical activities involving running, jumping, or sudden direction changes.
  2. Uneven surfaces, such as stepping on a rock or missing a step.
  3. Improper footwear, especially shoes without adequate ankle support.
  4. Weak or tight muscles, which reduce ankle stability and flexibility.
  5. Previous ankle injuries, making the joint more prone to reinjury.

Understanding the cause of your ankle sprain helps create a tailored treatment plan and reduces the risk of future injuries.

6 Treatments for Ankle Sprains

Treatment depends on the severity of the sprain but often includes:

  1. RICE protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation to reduce pain and swelling.
  2. Supportive devices: Use braces, wraps, tape, or crutches to stabilise the ankle.
  3. Physical therapy: Exercises to restore mobility and build ankle strength.
  4. Anti-inflammatory medications: To relieve pain and reduce swelling.
  5. Custom orthotics: Insoles designed to improve foot alignment and prevent re-injury.
  6. Surgical intervention: Reserved for severe ligament tears that don’t respond to other treatments.

A podiatrist can help determine the most effective treatment based on your specific injury.

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How Can Double Bay Podiatry Help with Your Ankle Sprain?

Dr Emily Alston and the team at Double Bay Podiatry have been providing exceptional podiatry care in the Eastern Suburbs since 1993.

Here’s how we can help with an Ankle Sprain:

  • Thorough assessments: Diagnosing the extent of your injury and any contributing factors.
  • Custom treatment plans: Combining therapies like rehabilitation exercises, orthotics, and supportive footwear recommendations.
  • Rehabilitation guidance: Helping you regain strength, stability, and confidence in your ankle.
  • Rebate programmes: We participate in the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) and Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plans, making treatment accessible.

With decades of experience, Dr Emily Alston and her team ensure that every patient receives personalised and compassionate care.

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Ankle Sprain FAQ

What are the short term benefits from receiving treatment for an Ankle Sprain?
Seeking prompt treatment for an ankle sprain provides several immediate benefits that improve daily comfort and mobility. Pain and swelling reduce quickly with rest, ice, and compression, allowing for easier movement. Supportive devices like braces stabilise the ankle, preventing further injury. Anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy exercises restore flexibility and range of motion. These early interventions set the stage for long-term healing and help avoid complications like chronic instability or recurrent sprains.
Recovery from an ankle sprain involves rest, rehabilitation, and professional care. Initially, the RICE protocol reduces pain and swelling, while braces or crutches provide ankle support. As healing progresses, a personalised rehabilitation plan includes exercises to restore strength, flexibility, and balance. Follow-up appointments ensure the treatment plan is adjusted as needed. Most patients can return to normal activities with improved stability and reduced risk of reinjury through ongoing strengthening exercises and orthotics.
Delaying treatment for an ankle sprain can lead to serious complications. Untreated sprains may cause chronic instability, making the ankle more prone to future injuries. Persistent swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility may develop, limiting daily activities. Severe sprains left untreated can result in long-term ligament damage requiring surgery. Additionally, an untreated ankle sprain can alter gait mechanics, causing secondary issues like knee, hip, or back pain. Seeking early care minimises these risks and promotes faster recovery.
Preventing ankle sprains involves taking proactive steps to protect your feet and ankles. Wear supportive footwear with adequate ankle support, especially during physical activities. Warm up and stretch before exercise to improve flexibility and reduce the risk of ligament strain. Use ankle braces or taping if you’ve had previous sprains. Engage in strengthening exercises for the ankles, calves, and legs to enhance stability and balance. Be mindful of uneven surfaces, and avoid high-impact activities when fatigued or unprepared. Regular check-ups with a podiatrist can help identify and address potential weaknesses early.
Certain habits can increase the risk of ankle sprains or delay recovery. Avoid wearing unsupportive footwear like high heels, sandals, or worn-out shoes, as they offer little ankle stability. Refrain from engaging in intense physical activity without proper warm-up and stretching, as this can strain ligaments. Avoid running or exercising on uneven terrain unless you’re properly equipped. Continuing physical activity despite pain can worsen the injury, causing further ligament damage. Neglecting follow-up care or prescribed exercises can also slow recovery and increase the likelihood of reinjury.

Treating Ankle Sprain In Sydney

"Ankle sprains can be painful and limiting, but with the right care and support, they can be effectively treated."

At Double Bay Podiatry, we provide expert assessments, personalised treatment plans, and compassionate care to help you recover and prevent future injuries.

Get in touch today to relieve your pain and begin your recovery from your ankle sprain.”

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