Ankle Sprains North Adelaide

Treatment for Ankle Sprains North Adelaide

Factors Associated with Ankle Sprains

Did the ankle sprain happen while playing sports such as basketball, netball, football, or soccer?

Did your ankle roll after misjudging a step while walking or running?

Was there a popping sensation or sound when the injury occurred?

Are you experiencing ankle stiffness, swelling, or bruising that makes walking uncomfortable?

Ankle sprains are a commonly seen injury presentation at SA Running Injury Clinic. They involve injury to the ligaments that support and stabilise the ankle joint and may occur when the ankle twists, rolls, or moves beyond its usual range during walking, running, or landing activities.

As described, ankle sprains are usually caused by runners or walkers misjudging a step or landing unevenly. In sports, it is often due to changing direction or landing on someone else’s foot.

Ankle Sprains Treatment

Ankle sprains commonly occur after an awkward step while walking or running, landing on an uneven surface, or during sporting movements such as changing direction or landing on another player’s foot.

Early symptoms after an ankle sprain may include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty weight bearing, with some individuals requiring temporary support such as crutches, strapping, or a walking boot. In some cases, medical imaging may be required to assess for fractures. Ongoing ankle instability, stiffness, or persistent discomfort may also occur in some individuals following an ankle sprain, including conditions such as Sinus Tarsi Syndrome.

Management for ankle sprains may include the following rehabilitation phases:

Phase One:

Early management approaches may focus on reducing swelling and supporting recovery using RICER principles.
Rest
Ice
Compression
Elevation

Phase Two:

Management strategies to assist ankle movement and flexibility
Massage
A guided stretching exercise approach

Phase Three:

Strengthen Muscle
Strengthening exercises for the calf, ankle, and foot muscles

Phase Four:

Management approaches addressing foot posture and biomechanics
Ankle sprains may be associated with foot movement patterns where the foot rolls outward, while Sinus Tarsi Syndrome may be linked to increased inward rolling of the foot.

Phase Five:

Exercise-based rehabilitation aimed at supporting balance, coordination, and sport-specific movement
Targeted exercises focusing on sport-related movement demands

EXO-L Brace Support for Ankle Rehabilitation

Ankle sprains are a common injury presentation among runners and active individuals and may contribute to ongoing ankle instability or reduced activity participation for some people. At SA Running Injury Clinic, we may recommend the EXO-L ankle brace, a custom 3D-printed support designed to provide additional ankle support during movement and activity. The brace is intended to remain lightweight and supportive while allowing day-to-day mobility and participation in exercise or sport.

Supportive Foot and Ankle Management Options

The EXO-L brace is customised using a 3D scanning and printing process to provide an individualised fit designed for use with a range of athletic footwear. Commonly used by runners, court-sport athletes, and active individuals, the lightweight brace is designed to support ankle stability during movement and activity participation. The EXO-L brace may also be claimable through eligible private health insurance podiatry orthotic cover. Rehabilitation approaches such as strengthening exercises, gait retraining, and footwear advice may also be incorporated to support return to activity where appropriate.