Ankle Pain Physiotherapy in Perth & Regional WA
Ankle pain can affect walking, running, sport, work and everyday movement. Our Physiotherapists provide assessment and treatment at our Mount Pleasant, Belmont and Regional WA clinics, with a clear plan based on your symptoms, activity and goals.
Ankle problems may involve the surrounding ligaments, tendons, muscles or joint structures. A Physiotherapy assessment can help clarify what may be contributing to your symptoms and how to gradually return to comfortable movement.
Book an appointment
If ankle pain is affecting walking, work, exercise or sport, our Physiotherapists can assess your symptoms and help you understand the next steps.
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Common ankle pain symptoms
Ankle symptoms may be noticeable during walking, running, stairs or sporting movements. Some people also experience stiffness, swelling or reduced confidence after an injury or increase in activity.
- Pain around the inner or outer ankle
- Swelling after activity or sport
- Difficulty walking or running comfortably
- Stiffness when first starting to move
- Reduced confidence with jumping or changing direction
- A feeling that the ankle may roll or give way
Symptoms vary between people. An assessment can help determine which movements and activities are currently aggravating the area.
When to consider a Physiotherapy appointment
A Physiotherapy appointment may be useful when ankle symptoms are limiting everyday activity or repeatedly return as you increase your walking, exercise or sporting load.
- Symptoms are not settling as expected
- Pain or swelling returns with walking, running or sport
- The ankle feels stiff, weak or unstable
- You are uncertain about returning to normal activity
- A previous ankle injury continues to affect movement
What an ankle Physiotherapy appointment may include
Your Physiotherapist will ask about how the symptoms began, which activities are affected and what you would like to return to. They may then assess ankle movement, strength, balance and the way the area responds to load.
- Assessment of ankle movement and load tolerance
- Review of walking, running or sporting demands
- Assessment of strength, balance and joint control
- Hands-on Physiotherapy where appropriate
- Guided strengthening and movement exercises
- Advice about modifying and gradually increasing activity
Your plan will depend on your assessment findings, symptoms, goals and current level of activity.
Possible contributors to ankle pain
Ankle pain may begin after a twist, fall or sporting incident. It can also develop gradually when training, walking or work demands change faster than the area can comfortably tolerate.
- Ankle sprains and other sporting injuries
- Changes in running, walking or training load
- Previous ankle injuries
- Reduced ankle or foot strength
- Changes in balance or joint control
- Repetitive work or daily activity demands
Ankle symptoms can sometimes occur alongside concerns such as knee pain, hip pain or a broader sports injury.
When to seek urgent medical attention
Seek prompt medical attention following significant trauma, if you cannot bear weight through the ankle or if you are concerned about a fracture or serious injury.
- An obvious deformity or suspected fracture
- Inability to take steps or bear weight after an injury
- Severe or rapidly increasing pain and swelling
- Marked bruising following significant trauma
- A cold, pale or numb foot
- Increasing redness, heat, fever or feeling generally unwell
If you are unsure about the seriousness of an injury, contact an appropriate medical service for advice.
Ankle Pain Physiotherapy FAQs
Do I need Physiotherapy after an ankle sprain?
Some ankle sprains settle with time and appropriate self-management. An assessment may be useful if you have ongoing pain, stiffness, swelling, instability or difficulty returning to usual activity.
Can I keep walking or exercising with ankle pain?
This depends on the cause and severity of your symptoms. Modified activity and gradual loading may be appropriate for some presentations. Significant pain, suspected fracture or an inability to bear weight should be medically assessed promptly.
Why does my ankle keep rolling or feeling unstable?
Previous sprains, reduced strength, changes in balance and incomplete recovery may contribute to a feeling of instability. A Physiotherapy assessment can help identify factors relevant to your presentation.
Can ankle pain affect running and sport?
Yes. Ankle pain can affect push-off, landing, changes of direction and confidence during sport. A rehabilitation plan may include graded strengthening, balance work and guidance about returning to activity.
How long does ankle pain take to improve?
Recovery time varies according to the type and severity of the problem, how long symptoms have been present and the demands you are returning to. Your Physiotherapist can provide more individual guidance after assessing the ankle.
Further reading
For additional general health information, read Healthdirect’s information about ankle pain .
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Book Ankle Pain Physiotherapy in Perth & Regional WA
If ankle pain is affecting walking, work, exercise or sport, our Physiotherapists can assess the area and help you develop a practical plan for returning to activity.
Related: Physio Tips & Advice • Physiotherapy