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Ankle Injuries

Ankle injuries are some of the most common musculoskeletal problems people face, whether caused by sports activities, falls, or even just everyday movements. A sprained ankle, the most frequent type of injury, happens when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn, typically from rolling or twisting the foot. While sprains are often mild, they can sometimes lead to more serious conditions, like fractures or tendon injuries, which may require more intensive treatment and longer recovery times. Achilles tendonitis, a painful condition that affects the tendon at the back of the ankle, is also prevalent among athletes and active individuals. Regardless of the injury type, symptoms often include swelling, bruising, pain, and difficulty moving or bearing weight on the affected ankle. Timely intervention, including proper rest, rehabilitation, and physiotherapy, is essential for healing and preventing long-term issues like chronic pain or instability. At The Physio Studio Health and Wellness Center, our knowledgeable team of physiotherapists is dedicated to providing effective treatment and rehabilitation plans tailored to your individual needs, helping you recover quickly and safely while minimizing the risk of future ankle injuries.

Common Types of Ankle Injuries

Ankle injuries are incredibly common and can happen to anyone, whether from an unexpected twist, a fall, or from overuse during physical activity. Here are some of the most common types of ankle injuries:

1. Sprained Ankle

A sprained ankle occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle are stretched or torn. This can happen when the ankle rolls or twists, often during sports or physical activity. Sprains can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the ligament damage.

  • Symptoms: Swelling, bruising, pain, difficulty walking or bearing weight.
  • Treatment: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E), physiotherapy, and in severe cases, surgery.

 

2. Fractured Ankle

A fractured ankle refers to a break in one or more bones that make up the ankle joint. Ankle fractures often occur from falls, car accidents, or sports injuries.

  • Symptoms: Intense pain, swelling, bruising, and an inability to move or bear weight on the ankle.
  • Treatment: May involve immobilization with a cast, crutches, or surgery if the fracture is severe.

 

3. Achilles Tendon Injuries

The Achilles tendon, which connects your calf muscles to your heel bone, can become injured due to sudden pressure or overuse. Achilles tendonitis and Achilles tendon ruptures are common among athletes, particularly those who engage in running, jumping, or explosive movements.

  • Symptoms: Pain and swelling at the back of the heel, difficulty walking, and in severe cases, inability to push off with your foot.
  • Treatment: Rest, ice, physical therapy, and in cases of rupture, surgery may be necessary.

 

4. Peroneal Tendon Injuries

The peroneal tendons are located on the outside of your ankle. These tendons can be injured due to sudden twists, ankle sprains, or overuse. A tear or strain in the peroneal tendon can result in pain, swelling, and instability.

  • Symptoms: Pain along the outside of the ankle, swelling, instability, and difficulty walking.
  • Treatment: Rest, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery for severe tears.

Causes of Ankle Injuries

Ankle injuries can occur in various ways, but they are typically the result of the following:

  • Sports and Physical Activity: High-impact or high-mobility sports such as basketball, soccer, running, and tennis often involve rapid changes in direction or sudden jumps, increasing the risk of ankle injuries.
  • Improper Footwear: Wearing shoes that don't provide proper support, or using footwear not suited for specific activities, can increase the likelihood of ankle injuries.
  • Poor Conditioning: Weak or imbalanced muscles, ligaments, or tendons may be more prone to injury.
  • Overuse: Repetitive movements or overexertion, especially in sports or physical labor, can lead to tendonitis or stress fractures.
  • Environmental Factors: Uneven surfaces or slipping on wet floors can lead to ankle sprains or fractures.

Symptoms of Ankle Injuries

The symptoms of ankle injuries vary depending on the severity and type of injury. However, common symptoms to watch for include:

  • Pain (which can range from mild to severe depending on the injury).
  • Swelling around the ankle joint.
  • Bruising or discoloration around the ankle or foot.
  • Limited mobility or difficulty walking.
  • Instability or a feeling that the ankle may "give way."

Ankle Injury Diagnosis

If you experience pain, swelling, or difficulty walking, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly. A physiotherapist can evaluate your injury through physical exams, and if needed, recommend imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans to determine the extent of the damage. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and to prevent further complications.

Treatment for Ankle Injuries

At The Physio Studio Health and Wellness Center, we offer personalized treatment plans designed to help you recover quickly and safely from ankle injuries. Here are some common treatments for ankle injuries:

1. Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (R.I.C.E.)

  • Rest: Avoid putting weight on the injured ankle.
  • Ice: Apply ice to reduce swelling and pain.
  • Compression: Use a compression bandage to control swelling.
  • Elevation: Keep the ankle raised above heart level to reduce swelling.

 

2. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is often a critical part of ankle injury rehabilitation. Our physiotherapists at The Physio Studio provide exercises and techniques designed to:

  • Improve strength and flexibility in the injured ankle.
  • Restore range of motion and joint stability.
  • Prevent future injuries by correcting movement patterns.

 

3. Bracing or Taping

For ligament injuries like sprains, a brace or tape may be used to provide support and reduce the risk of further damage.

 

4. Medication

Pain relief medications and sometimes corticosteroid injections can be used to manage pain and inflammation during the healing process.

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who I am

Anant Simran K. Grewal

    BPT, FDN Registered Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist Certified in Postpartum        Corrective Exercises (PCES)

     With a distinguished background as a registered physiotherapist in both Ontario and                   Alberta,       Anant Simran K. Grewal brings over 12 years of comprehensive expertise to her practice.                Specializing in treating individuals of all ages and fitness levels, Anant is a dedicated professional committed to advancing the field of physiotherapy.

Anant holds certifications in Mulligan’s Concept of Manual Therapy, Neurodevelopmental Techniques, K-tape Pro, Functional Dry Needling (IMS), Pessary Fitting and Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy. Her recent focus on women’s health underscores her commitment to staying at the forefront of specialized care.

A firm believer in enhancing each treatment session, Anant employs a creative and individually tailored care plan to facilitate patients’ recovery. Fluent in four languages, she strives to create an inclusive and supportive environment for her diverse clientele.

Energetic and passionate about her work, Anant derives immense satisfaction from aiding individuals on their journey to recovery. Beyond her professional pursuits, she finds solace and inspiration in reading, painting, swimming, travel, and quality time spent with her family. Anant’s multifaceted approach to life reflects her commitment to holistic well-being and continuous personal and professional development.

who I am

Varun

MSc, PT

Physiotherapist | Master of Exercise Physiology

Varun is a highly qualified and dedicated professional in the field of physiotherapy, having completed his education at GGSIP University and earned a Master of Exercise Physiology from Memorial University of Newfoundland. With a strong academic foundation, Varun has further honed his expertise through specialized training and certifications in various modalities, including K-tape (sports taping), the McKenzie method of mechanical diagnosis therapy for the lumbar spine, spinal manipulation therapy, and functional dry needling.

Having practiced as a registered physiotherapist in both Ontario and Alberta, Varun possesses a wealth of experience and proficiency in addressing a diverse range of clinical conditions. His clinical interests encompass orthopedic injuries, arthritis, geriatric and concussion rehabilitation, as well as sports, gym/work-out injuries, and day-to-day postural and repetitive stress injuries.

Varun is committed to staying at the forefront of his field, consistently upgrading his clinical skills and knowledge to ensure the delivery of the highest quality care. His treatment philosophy revolves around one-on-one, hands-on manual therapy, underpinned by an active rehabilitation model for robust and sustainable recovery.

Recognizing the importance of individualized care, Varun adds significant value to each treatment session by employing an evidence-based approach. He integrates graded exercises, self-management techniques, and targeted education, fostering long-term health and empowering his clients to actively participate in their recovery.

Energetic and passionate about his profession, Varun derives immense satisfaction from helping individuals navigate their journey towards recovery. His dedication to providing personalized and evidence-based care reflects his commitment to the well-being and long-term health of his clients.

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Anant is THE BEST!!! I saw her while I was pregnant and just had my first postpartum appointment with her. She has helped me so much with my posture and pelvic floor control as well as incontinence…

Michelle Chong

Anant is just AMAZING! She is very dedicated to her practice, caring and fun. She would always educate you and explain what needs to be done in order to get better. It is unbelievable how much she…

Val R

Rehabilitation and Recovery

Rehabilitation is essential for a full recovery. The goal is not only to heal the injury but also to restore strength, flexibility, and function to the ankle. A structured rehabilitation plan may include:

  • Stretching exercises to improve flexibility.
  • Strengthening exercises to restore muscle function.
  • Proprioceptive trainingto improve balance and coordination.
  • Gradual return to activities once healing is well underway.

Preventing Ankle Injuries

While not all ankle injuries can be avoided, certain precautions can minimize your risk:

  • Wear proper footwear: Ensure your shoes provide the necessary support for your specific activity.
  • Strengthen your ankle muscles: Regular exercises to strengthen your calf muscles and the muscles around your ankle can provide additional support.
  • Warm-up before physical activity: Always engage in a proper warm-up and cool-down routine to prepare your muscles and joints.
  • Practice balance exercises: Balance and proprioception exercises can help improve ankle stability, reducing the risk of sprains.

Get Help at The Physio Studio Health and Wellness Center

If you’re suffering from an ankle injury or want to learn more about injury prevention, The Physio Studio Health and Wellness Center is here to help. Our experienced physiotherapists focus on ankle injury rehabilitation and will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.Contact us today to schedule an appointment and start your recovery journey.

Frequently Asked Questions for Ankle Injuries

Ankle injuries are often caused by trauma, such as twisting, rolling, or sudden movements during sports or physical activity. They can also result from improper footwear, overuse, or accidents like tripping or falling.

Signs of a sprained ankle include swelling, bruising, pain, and difficulty walking or standing. The severity can vary, with mild sprains causing minimal discomfort and severe sprains resulting in significant pain and swelling.

Recovery time depends on the severity of the sprain. Mild sprains may heal within 1–2 weeks, while more severe sprains can take 6–8 weeks or longer, requiring physical therapy for full recovery.

The R.I.C.E. method—rest, ice, compression, and elevation—is the first step for treating a sprained ankle. For more severe injuries, physiotherapy, bracing, or even surgery may be needed.

It’s important to rest your injured ankle to avoid worsening the injury. Once pain and swelling have decreased, your physiotherapist can recommend appropriate exercises to strengthen the ankle and help you regain mobility.

To prevent ankle injuries, wear appropriate footwear, strengthen ankle muscles, warm up before physical activity, practice balance exercises, and avoid sudden, high-impact movements.

If you suspect a fracture, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and an inability to walk or bear weight on the foot. An X-ray may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

If not treated properly, ankle injuries can lead to chronic pain, instability, and arthritis. Rehabilitation and physiotherapy are crucial for ensuring a full recovery and preventing long-term complications.

Symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury include pain at the back of the ankle, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty walking or running. Severe cases may result in a complete rupture, causing an inability to push off the foot.

It’s recommended to see a physiotherapist if you experience persistent pain, swelling, or difficulty moving your ankle. Early physiotherapy intervention can accelerate recovery and help prevent further injury.

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