Ankle Sprains Highgate
Treatment for Ankle Sprains Highgate
How Do Ankle Sprains Occur?
- 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?
At SA Running Injury Clinic, ankle sprains are a frequently assessed lower limb injury. An ankle sprain affects the ligaments surrounding the ankle joint and can occur when the foot rolls, twists, or lands awkwardly during movement or sport.
Typically, as stated above, ankle sprains occur when a runner or walker misjudges a step or lands on an uneven surface. In sports, it happens due to sudden direction changes or landing on another competitor’s foot.
Ankle Sprains Treatment
Common causes of ankle sprains include stepping awkwardly while walking or running, uneven surfaces, and sporting movements involving jumping or sudden direction changes.
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.
Our approach to ankle sprain rehabilitation may include these progressive management stages:
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
- Exercise-based strengthening approaches for the calf, ankle, and foot region
Phase Four:
- Assessment of foot mechanics and lower limb movement patterns
- Foot posture and movement patterns, including excessive rolling inward or outward, may influence ankle loading and contribute to ankle-related symptoms.
Phase Five:
- Progressive exercises targeting balance, mobility, and return-to-sport activities
- Exercises designed around sport-specific movement patterns
EXO-L Brace Support for Ankle Rehabilitation
For some runners and active individuals, ankle sprains may lead to ongoing ankle instability or difficulty returning to activity. The EXO-L ankle brace is a custom 3D-printed support designed to provide additional ankle support during movement while maintaining comfort and day-to-day mobility. At SA Running Injury Clinic, the brace may be considered as part of an ankle rehabilitation and support program.
Custom Foot and Ankle Support 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.
Sprained Ankle Assessment and Rehabilitation at SA Running Injury Clinic
SA Running Injury Clinic offers ankle sprain care in Adelaide for people living in surrounding locations such as North Adelaide, Eastwood, Walkerville, Unley, Prospect, St Peters, Glenside, Parkside, Norwood, Burnside, Brompton, Thebarton, Mile End, Fullarton, Myrtle Bank, Glenunga and Highgate.
Appointments are available online or over the phone at SA Running Injury Clinic. Please note we operate from two clinics.