Understanding Ankle Sprains: What You Need to Know
Ankle sprains are one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries we see at Inline Physio, with clients from Ashgrove, Samford, Moorooka, and surrounding Brisbane suburbs. Whether you’ve twisted your ankle stepping off a curb or during a weekend sports game, it’s important to treat it properly from the start to ensure full recovery and reduce your risk of long-term problems.
What is an Ankle Sprain?
An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that hold the bones of the ankle joint together are stretched or torn, usually due to a sudden twist, roll, or impact. Most ankle sprains affect the lateral (outer) ligaments, particularly the Anterior Talofibular Ligament (ATFL) and Calcaneofibular ligament (CFL). However it is also common to injure the ligments and soft tissue above the ankle joint, known as a High Ankle Sprain or the inside (medial) ligament – called the Deltoid Ligament.
Severity of the Injury
Sprains are typically graded:
- Grade I – Mild stretching, minimal swelling
- Grade II – Partial ligament tear, moderate pain and swelling
- Grade III – Complete ligament tear, severe swelling and instability
Signs & Symptoms
- Pain around the ankle (especially the outer side)
- Swelling and bruising
- Difficulty walking or bearing weight
- A popping sound at the time of injury (in more severe sprains)
- Joint instability or weakness
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, visit a Physiotherapist in Ashgrove, Samford, or Moorooka to get a professional diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
Initial Management: The PEACE & LOVE Approach
You might be familiar with RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), but recent evidence supports a more comprehensive strategy:
PEACE (first 1–3 days)
- Protect – Limit activities that aggravate the injury
- Elevate – Keep the ankle above heart level
- Avoid anti-inflammatories – Consider letting natural healing occur in the early phase. Speak to your GP to discuss this.
- Compress – Use bandages or a brace to limit swelling
- Educate – Understand your injury and avoid over-treatment
LOVE (after the acute phase)
- Load – Gradually reintroduce pain-free movement
- Optimism – Positive mindset helps healing!
- Vascularisation – Low-impact cardio promotes circulation
- Exercise – Strength, balance, and mobility training are key
Physiotherapy for Ankle Sprains in Ashgrove, Samford & Moorooka
At Inline Physio, our experienced Physiotherapists provide evidence-based ankle rehabilitation at our clinics in Ashgrove, Samford, and Moorooka. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or someone who’s suffered a workplace injury, we tailor your rehab to support long-term recovery.
- Manual therapy to reduce stiffness, improve alignment and restore range
- Individualised rehab exercises targeting strength, proprioception, and balance
- Gait retraining if you’re limping
- Progressive loading so your ankle can handle daily and sporting activities
- Return-to-sport testing to reduce re-injury risk
When to Seek Help
See a physiotherapist or healthcare provider if:
- You’re unable to walk more than a few steps
- The swelling or bruising is severe
- Your ankle feels unstable or keeps giving way
- Pain persists beyond a few days
Key Takeaways
- Don’t just “walk it off” — early treatment matters!
- Use PEACE & LOVE, not just RICE
- Strength, balance, and movement are vital to recovery
- Physio-led rehab reduces the risk of chronic instability and recurrent sprains
Why Choose Inline Physio?
We offer expert Physiotherapy services in Ashgrove, Samford, and Moorooka, helping locals recover quickly and safely from ankle sprains. Our clinics are trusted by the community for providing comprehensive musculoskeletal care tailored to your goals.
Book a Physio Appointment Today
Don’t let an ankle injury slow you down. Whether you’re in Ashgrove, Samford, or Moorooka, our expert physios are here to help. Early assessment and treatment can significantly reduce your risk of long-term instability or recurring sprains.
👉 BOOK ONLINE or contact your nearest Inline Physio clinic today to start your recovery with a trusted Physiotherapist.