Ankle Sprain Physiotherapy in Vancouver

A rolled ankle can make even a short walk or a flight of stairs uncomfortable. If your ankle still feels stiff or unreliable after a sprain, Cadence Physiotherapy & Rehab can assess your recovery and help you plan a return to walking, running or sport.

Book a physiotherapy assessment

Understanding ankle sprain

An ankle sprain injures one or more of the ligaments that support the joint. A twist inward often affects the outside of the ankle. The amount of bruising or swelling varies. Persistent difficulty on uneven ground or repeated episodes of the ankle giving way can be worth assessing even after the initial pain settles.

Common concerns

• Pain, swelling or bruising after rolling or twisting the ankle
• Stiffness or difficulty pushing off when walking
• Ankle giving way when you turn, land or step onto uneven ground

When to get medical help

Get prompt medical assessment if you cannot take a few steps after the injury, have marked tenderness over a bone, or notice deformity or numbness. A fracture can resemble a sprain.

Your assessment at Cadence

We ask how the injury happened, whether you could walk afterward and if you have sprained the ankle before. Depending on the stage of recovery, we may look at ankle motion, walking, calf strength and single-leg balance. If the injury needs further assessment or imaging, we can discuss where to seek care.

How physiotherapy can help

A plan may start with comfortable movement and a gradual return to weight bearing when appropriate. As symptoms allow, it can progress to calf and ankle strengthening, balance, hopping and changes of direction. We can discuss whether temporary ankle support makes sense for your sport or work.

Frequently asked questions

When can I get back to sport?

We consider how you tolerate walking, single-leg loading and the movements your sport requires. Sprinting, jumping and changing direction each place different demands on the ankle.

Can physiotherapy help if I keep rolling the same ankle?

Rehab can address limitations in strength, motion and balance. An assessment helps identify what to work on and whether you need additional medical review.

Book your Vancouver physiotherapy appointment

Find Cadence Physiotherapy & Rehab at 706–550 W Broadway, near Broadway–City Hall station. Book online or call 604-738-4900.

Explore Sports Physiotherapy or see the other conditions we treat.

Further reading: AAOS OrthoInfo on ankle sprains. Individual assessment guides diagnosis and treatment.