The most common ankle injury is a “rolled ankle” or inversion injury. Here the outside or lateral ankle ligaments can be stretched, torn or completely ruptured. There is also more than one ligament on the outside of your ankle.

Diagnosis of ankle injuries relies upon information from our patients such as:

• How did it happen?
• How much swelling, bruising and pain?
• Could you continue playing or were you carried from the field?

We use special tests, patient history and careful palpation of ankle structures to diagnose the type and severity of the injury. This certainly affects whether the athlete can return to sport in a few weeks or a few months. Diagnostic xrays, CT-scans or MRI investigations may also required to assist diagnosis and provide you with an indication about the severity of your injury. The severity of injury, and which structures are involved, will also determine how quickly you progress through your rehabilitation and whether close supervision is required by a physiotherapist.

Here is a skateboarder landing poorly and "rolling his ankle".

Had an ankle sprain?

Appropriate care for your injury should occur immediately and begin with RICE: rest, ice and elevation in a comfortable position. Limit weightbearing or walking and get a diagnosis!

We commonly see patients who have had a more severe type of ankle sprain, but present to the clinic after 6 weeks because “Its just not getting better…”. Often their injury has been made worse and a prolonged rehabilitation time is required because the injury wasn’t managed well in the first place. Afterall, the biggest risk factor to an ankle sprain is having had one before!


Brendon Burnett
Physiotherapist / Exercise Physiologist