Bones, joints & muscles
Ankle pain often follows a twist or a sprain, but it can also build up from stiffness, overuse or old injuries that never fully settled. At our Opera House clinic we assess the ankle and the leg above it, then plan care that restores movement, strength and balance.
The ankle is a hinge joint held by strong ligaments, with tendons running past it to move the foot. Pain may come from ligament sprains, tendon irritation, joint stiffness or wear, or from the foot and lower leg.
Sprains are the most common injury. Most are mild or moderate and recover well, but if the ankle is not rehabilitated properly it can stay stiff, weak or prone to rolling again.
Good ankle care covers more than pain. Balance, strength and the way you walk and land all matter for preventing repeat injuries.
We ask how the pain began, what you were doing and whether it has happened before. We also ask about swelling, ability to bear weight and activity goals. Then we examine your ankle, foot, calf and knee.
Early care focuses on settling pain and protecting the ankle. Later, we rebuild strength, balance and confidence.
Advice on rest, support, swelling control and how much weight to take, depending on how irritable the ankle is.
Joint mobilisation and soft-tissue techniques to restore movement in the ankle, foot and calf, within your comfort.
Progressive exercises for the calf, foot and ankle muscles, with balance work to reduce the chance of rolling again.
If fascial restrictions in the leg or foot are limiting movement, it may be used as one part of your plan.
Read about this techniqueLooking at how you walk and what you wear, with simple changes or supports where they help.
A staged return to running, sport or long walking, with clear markers to move on.
Physiotherapy suits people recovering from ankle sprains, those with lingering stiffness or weakness, and those with overuse pain or recurring giving way. We make no promises of cure, and we will tell you if you need an X-ray or doctor’s review first.
Not always. If you cannot take weight, or have pain over the bony parts of the ankle or foot, a doctor should check for a fracture. We will advise at assessment.
Often as soon as it is comfortable, with support if needed. We guide you based on how irritable the ankle is, since too little movement can slow recovery.
Weak muscles, reduced balance control and stretched ligaments can all play a part. Strength and balance training help the ankle respond faster.
Short-term support can help in the early phase or for sport. We can advise whether one might suit you.
Yes. The foot, calf and knee all influence the ankle, which is why we examine them too.
In the early days after a sprain, many people find cooling helps with swelling and pain. Later, warmth can ease stiffness. We will advise by stage.
Most ankle sprains recover with rehabilitation. Surgery is rarely needed and is a decision for a surgeon. We will refer you if your findings suggest it.
Your physiotherapist
Dr. Akshay Bandekar is the founder of The Posture Perfect Physiotherapy Clinic.
Qualifications: BPTh, MIAP, COMT
Advanced training: Visceral Manipulation (USA), Fascial Manipulation (Italy), Craniosacral Therapy (USA)
Meet the teamBook an assessment at our Opera House clinic and we will plan your care together.
This website provides general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified healthcare professional should assess your symptoms and advise on suitable care. Seek urgent medical attention for sudden weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, chest pain, or other severe new symptoms.
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