Make your assessment practical
Tell us how it happened.
The direction your foot turned, whether you could keep walking and how quickly it swelled are all useful details for your assessment.
About ankle sprains
An ankle sprain happens when the ligaments supporting the ankle are stretched or torn, often when the foot rolls inwards. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, bruising and feeling unsteady.
Some people experience ongoing stiffness, weakness or repeat sprains, so a structured return to activity is often discussed.
What happens at your appointment
We ask about the injury and assess swelling, movement, strength and balance. If findings suggest a possible fracture or more significant injury, we will advise you to see your GP or seek imaging first.
Care options we may discuss
- Early advice on managing swelling and staying mobile.
- Balance and strength exercises.
- Taping or bracing for activity where appropriate.
- A staged plan for returning to sport or work.
Recovery time varies with the injury and the person.
When to seek medical help first
See a GP or emergency department if you cannot take four steps on the foot, there is tenderness over the ankle bones, the ankle looks deformed, or numbness or colour changes develop.
Physiotherapy is not an emergency service. Call 000 or go to an emergency department for a serious injury, chest pain, sudden weakness or numbness, or if you feel very unwell. See your GP promptly if pain follows a fall or accident, keeps getting worse, wakes you every night, or comes with fever, unexplained weight loss or other new symptoms.
Your physiotherapy appointment.
See Jency Donda, physiotherapist, at our Elizabeth Park clinic – open Mondays 9:00am–5:00pm. No referral is needed for a private appointment. For a GP care plan, NDIS, DVA, Support at Home or WorkCover appointment, check the relevant referral and plan information and our fees and rebates page before booking.
Helpful questions.
How soon after a sprain can I book?
You can book soon after the injury. If you cannot bear weight or suspect a fracture, see a GP first.
I keep rolling the same ankle. Can physio help?
Repeated sprains are worth discussing. Your physiotherapist can assess balance and strength and talk through options, including podiatry input on footwear.
Can I keep playing sport?
This depends on your assessment. Your physiotherapist can help you plan a gradual return.
More information: healthdirect: sprains and strains. This page is general information and is not a substitute for individual advice.
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