Ankle Sprain Physiotherapy

Ankle Sprain Physio – Treatment & Recovery Guide

Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries we treat in physiotherapy. Whether it happens during sport, running, or simply stepping off a curb awkwardly, an ankle sprain can significantly affect your ability to walk, exercise, and live comfortably.

If you’re looking for expert ankle sprain physio treatment, here’s everything you need to know about types of ankle sprains, severity levels, and how physiotherapy can help you recover safely and prevent future injuries

What Is an Ankle Sprain?

An ankle sprain occurs when the ankle is forced too far in one direction, overstretching or tearing the supporting ligaments. Depending on the movement and force involved, sprains are classified into three main types:

1. Inversion ankle sprain – the most common type, affecting the ligaments on the outside of the ankle.
2. Eversion ankle sprain – less common, affecting the inside ligaments (deltoid ligament).
3. High ankle sprain – more severe, affecting the syndesmosis ligaments between the tibia and fibula

Inversion Ankle Sprains

These are the most common type of ankle sprain, they occur when the foot rolls inward, straining the outer ligaments (commonly the ATFL). This is the sprain most people think of when they “roll their ankle.

Eversion Ankle Sprains

These are less common than inversion ankle sprains but are usually more painful. It happens when the foot is forced outward, stressing the inner deltoid ligament. Recovery may take twice as long compared to inversion sprains.

High Ankle Sprains

Involves the syndesmosis ligaments holding the tibia and fibula together. Often caused by twisting injuries during sport. High ankle sprains need prompt medical assessment and structured ankle physio rehabilitation.

Ankle Sprain Severity – Ligament Tear Grades

Grade 1 (Mild)

<50% ligament damage, mild pain/swelling, recovery in ~6 weeks with guided physio care.

Grade 2 (Moderate)

>50% ligament tear, swelling, bruising, walking difficulty, instability. Recovery takes

Grade 3 (Severe)

Full ligament rupture, significant swelling and instability. Can take 12+ weeks and requires a comprehensive ankle sprain physiotherapy program.

How Physiotherapy Helps an Ankle Sprain

Seeing a physiotherapist for ankle sprains early is crucial for reducing recovery time and preventing long-term ankle instability. Physio treatment typically includes:

1. Acute Care & Pain Management – ice, compression, elevation, and rest.

2. Support & Protection – ankle taping or braces to allow healing while maintaining safe mobility.

3. Exercise Rehabilitation – progressive exercises to strengthen muscles, restore range of motion, and rebuild proprioception (balance and joint awareness).

4. Functional Training – single leg calf raises, hopping tests, and plyometric drills to prepare for sport or daily activities.

5. Return-to-Sport Physio Programs – ensuring you’re strong, balanced, and confident before resuming running or sports.

Common Physiotherapy Ankle Sprain Milestones

Ankle Strength: A good measure to find out how strong your ankle needs to be, is the number of single leg calf raises you can do for your age and gender.

Return to Running and Sport: Being able to hop on a single leg requires a high level of strength and control, having a poor hop can put you at significant risk of developing another ankle sprain. To assess your hopping ability, a commonly used test is the side hop test.

Why You Should Choose Link Health and Fitness

We have experienced senior clinicians with one of the best equipped facilities on Auckland’s North Shore. Our patients have access to a full gym and Pilates studio and a physiotherapist is always available during staffed hours to offer you additional support.

We are part of several ACC programs, and you may be eligible to receive fully subsidised healthcare for your injury. To find out more don’t hesitate to book online or contact us on 09 5536565.