DEEN

Guide to the Most Common Ankle Complaints, such as Ankle Sprain

Why the Ankle Is So Prone to Injury

The ankle joint carries our entire body weight and is constantly under strain. Whether walking, running, jumping, or during sports, it must provide both stability and mobility.
It’s no surprise, then, that the ankle is one of the most frequently injured joints.

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Cause – Diagnostics – Areas of Application

Causes

  • Trauma: Twisting injuries (supination trauma), sports injuries

  • Misalignments: High arches, flat feet, leg axis deviations

  • Degeneration: Joint wear (osteoarthritis), chronic overuse

  • Muscle imbalances or inappropriate footwear

Diagnostics

Thorough diagnostics are essential for effective treatment:

  • Medical history and clinical examination

  • Functional and stability tests

  • Ultrasound or MRI to assess ligaments, tendons, and cartilage

Common Complaints Around the Ankle Joint

  • Ligament sprains and tears (particularly of the lateral ligament complex)

  • Chronic instability after repeated twisting injuries

  • Achilles tendon problems

  • Ankle osteoarthritis (post-traumatic or degenerative)

  • Tendinitis (inflammation of the tendons)

  • Impingement syndrome (joint space entrapment)

  • Pain in the upper or lower ankle joint

Areas of Application

Our treatments are suitable for, among others:

  • Acute sprains and twisting injuries

  • Post-operative or post-ligament injury rehabilitation

  • Chronic ankle instability

  • Arthritic symptoms

  • Functional complaints without structural damage

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The Role of the Ligaments

The lateral ligaments (anterior, middle, and posterior) stabilise the ankle joint during every movement. When the ankle is twisted or rolled, these ligaments are often overstretched or torn. If such an injury is not properly treated, it can lead to chronic instability. The deltoid ligament (on the inner side of the ankle) and the syndesmotic ligament can also be affected.

Therapeutic Approaches at Medico Therapie

At Medico Therapie, we follow a well-founded, holistic treatment concept that is tailored to the root cause of your complaints.

Our Methods:

  • Manual Therapy & Mobilisation:
    To improve joint function and relieve pain

  • Fascial Therapy & Trigger Point Treatment:
    To relax the surrounding musculature

  • Targeted Strength & Coordination Training:
    For enhanced stability and injury prevention

  • Lymphatic Drainage:
    For swelling and post-traumatic conditions

  • Taping & Bandaging:
    To provide support in daily life or during sports activities

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Guide – Ankle Sprain

What is an ankle sprain?

An ankle sprain usually occurs when the foot rolls outward – typically during sport, while climbing stairs, or walking on uneven ground. In this process, the outer ligaments are overstretched or torn, leading to pain, swelling, and instability.

Common Symptoms

  • Sudden pain on the outside of the ankle

  • Swelling and possibly bruising

  • A feeling of uncertainty or instability in the joint

  • Restricted range of motion

  • Pain when bearing weight on the foot

How Medico Therapy Supports Your Recovery

Medico Therapy offers personalised rehabilitation programmes to help you return safely and swiftly to everyday life or sport following an ankle injury.

Our Therapy Modules:

01

Acute Treatment & Relief

  • Lymphatic drainage to reduce swelling

  • Pain reduction through manual therapy techniques

  • Taping for everyday stabilisation

02

Recovery & Rehabilitation Support

  • Mobility exercises for the ankle joint

  • Deep muscle activation and balance training

  • Correction of faulty loading patterns (e.g. foot misalignments)

03

Return to Sport and Daily Activity

  • Sport-specific training (Return to Play programmes)

  • Proprioceptive training using unstable surfaces

  • Injury prevention and functional everyday training

First Aid: What to Do Immediately After Twisting Your Ankle

Follow the R.I.C.E. protocol during the first 48 hours:

  • Rest – Keep the ankle still and avoid putting weight on it

  • Ice – Apply ice for 20 minutes every 2 hours

  • Compression – Use a light bandage or support wrap

  • Elevation – Raise the foot to help reduce swelling

❗ If there is severe pain, instability, or you are unable to bear weight: Seek medical evaluation immediately to rule out a fracture.

What Sets Us Apart

At Medico Therapy, clinical effectiveness is at the heart of everything we do. Our treatment concepts are rooted in evidence-based physiotherapy and manual medicine practices. The goal is not merely to relieve symptoms, but to target and address the underlying causes.

Through structured functional diagnostics and tailored treatment plans – incorporating techniques such as biomechanical correction, proprioceptive training, and neuromuscular reprogramming – we achieve long-lasting results.

Our therapists are specialised in treating complex ankle joint dysfunctions and work in an interdisciplinary manner to ensure a holistic therapeutic outcome.

Conclusion

Ankle complaints are common, but with the right diagnosis and treatment, they can be effectively managed. Medico Therapy offers expert care based on the latest medical knowledge – delivered with a personal, professional, and holistic approach.

Get in Touch

Whether you're dealing with an acute injury or ongoing discomfort – we're here to support you. Book your appointment with Medico Therapy for expert, comprehensive care tailored to your needs.