%20(1).png)
.png)
Ankle Pain Physio Melbourne
Eastside Physio + Co diagnoses and treats ankle pain from our Surrey Hills clinic, serving Melbourne's eastern suburbs. Every treatment plan starts with getting an understanding of your goals. Ankle pain is common, and most of it responds well to physiotherapy without any need for a scan or referral to get started.
What causes ankle pain
The majority of ankle pain comes from ligament sprains. Some other common causes include fractures or stress fractures, arthritis, tendinopathy (including the Achilles), impingement, instability after an old sprain, and overuse from increased training or walking. Your ankle is made up of two joints working together, so pain can originate from either one.
Sudden injury:
-
A rolled or twisted ankle that sprains the ligaments
-
A fall or awkward landing that fractures a bone
Gradual onset:
-
Arthritis in the ankle joint
-
Tendinopathy from repeated load
-
Overuse when training or walking increases too fast
-
Instability left from an old sprain
Sprains caused by sporting injuries are among the issues we treat most, and the majority of ankle injuries respond really well to physiotherapy. Pain sitting higher up the leg is usually being caused by a different problem, such as shin splints.
OUTER ANKLE PAIN EXPLAINED
What pain on the outside of the ankle means
Pain on the outside of your ankle usually points to the lateral ligaments or the peroneal tendons. Outer ankle pain usually follows a sprain that stretched or tore the lateral ligaments, or it lingers as instability from an old one. Lateral ankle pain can also come from the peroneal tendons, which are located behind the outer ankle bone.
Inner-side pain: this points more to the deltoid ligament or the tibialis posterior tendon.
Back-of-ankle pain: this usually involves the Achilles, and heel pain covers heel and insertion pain.
The location of the pain helps narrow the diagnosis, which is then confirmed through a physical examination.
SYMPTOMS
Ankle pain symptoms that need assessment
Certain signs mean your ankle pain should be assessed rather than waited out. Look for:
-
Pain or tenderness around the joint
-
Pain when you put weight on it, or a limp
-
Swelling and bruising
-
Limited range of motion or stiffness
-
The ankle feeling unstable or giving way
-
Loss of strength or weakness in the ankle
You should get your ankle assessed as a priority if you cannot bear weight, there is severe pain, you are seeing noticeable swelling, or if the pain lasts more than a few days. Early assessment lowers the risk of ongoing problems.
How we treat ankle pain: active rehab, not rest alone
Rest and ice should be used in the first 48 to 72 hours after an ankle injury. After that, ankles tend to recover best using guided movement, as prolonged rest is linked to ongoing weakness and a higher chance of re-injury. To prevent this, we get you loading the ankle again as soon as it is safe to. A short period of bracing or immobilisation is the right approach only for a severe (grade III) sprain.
Our physiotherapists begin by conducting a physical examination. Most ankle pain does not need a scan to diagnose. Our approach is evidence-based, and we focus on reducing your pain and restoring function as quickly as is safe.
Your treatment options depend on the diagnosis, and most plans include exercises to do between sessions:
-
Strengthening and balance work rebuilds proprioception and control, forming the foundation of ankle rehab
-
Manual therapy and joint mobilisation restore movement in a stiff joint
-
Taping or bracing gives early support while the ankle settles
-
Dry needling and massage ease pain and muscle tension where that helps
-
Footwear advice and orthotics come in where your foot mechanics call for it
-
For stubborn tendinopathy, we may add shockwave therapy
Ankle sprain rehabilitation and stopping repeat sprains
Sprains tend to come back because the rehab stops once the pain stops. That leaves weakness and poor balance control, potentially setting up the next sprain. Full rehabilitation carries on past pain relief to help rebuild strength and proprioception so the ankle feels steady under load.
Ankle sprains are one of the most common sporting injuries, and most ankle injuries recover well when rehab is completed. When rehab is cut short, the ankle can develop chronic ankle instability, which affects roughly 20 to 40 per cent of people after a lateral ligament sprain. Incomplete rehab is one common contributor.
A small number of cases, such as a significant ligament rupture or fractures that fail to heal, are referred for a surgical opinion. Physiotherapy is the first-line path, and it is also the rehab path after ankle surgery. If you play sport, our guide to returning to sport after an ankle injury sets out the criteria for going back safely.
Clinic information
Eastside Physio + Co has treated Melbourne's eastern suburbs from our Surrey Hills clinic since 2017, with more than 6,300 clients.
Address: 427 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills VIC 3127
Phone: (03) 9836 1333
Email: info@esphysio.com.au
Referral: none needed to book. Medicare rebates need a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan.
Private health: claim on the spot via HICAPS, all major insurers.
WorkCover, TAC and NDIS clients welcome.
Parking: there are three onsite parking bays at the front of the building and two at the rear. Additional street parking is available on Canterbury Road and the adjoining streets.