It can be as quick as stepping off a kerb, changing direction on a five-a-side pitch, or landing awkwardly during a rugby tackle. One moment you are moving normally; the next, your ankle may feel sore, swollen, or unstable. For many people, the initial pain settles, but the ankle still does not feel quite right.
That lingering stiffness or sense of instability is often related to how the joint is moving and how well the supporting muscles and balance systems have recovered, rather than the initial strain to the tissues alone. If the ankle feels unreliable or symptoms keep recurring, a structured assessment can help you understand possible contributing factors and appropriate next steps.
What a Musculoskeletal Assessment Looks For
A structured assessment helps clarify the presentation and stage of recovery. We assess ankle joint movement, swelling, stability, and gait, as well as how the foot and lower leg are working together. We also screen for red flags that may require medical referral, such as suspected fracture, significant instability, or symptoms that do not appear consistent with a straightforward sprain or strain.
A Stage-Based Plan for Strength and Stability
Our approach follows a stage-based framework that may include hands-on care, rehabilitation, and self-management support, depending on your individual presentation. Where appropriate, joint mobilisation or manipulation of the ankle and related joints may be considered to support movement. Soft-tissue techniques may also be used to address tightness in surrounding muscles and supporting structures where clinically indicated.
Rehabilitation is often an important part of recovery, particularly for balance and proprioception, which refers to the ankle’s ability to sense position and respond to movement. Exercises may focus on strength, control, and confidence, alongside advice on activity modification and a gradual return to sport or everyday activities, based on progress and tolerance.
“A sprained or strained ankle is not only about pain. It is also about supporting confidence in the joint. Our approach helps people understand contributing factors, what can be done at home, and how to gradually return to activity,” says Paul Allison, Chiropractor.
Next Steps and Support
If your ankle feels stiff, weak, or unstable, an assessment at Beverley and Driffield Chiropractic Clinics can help you understand possible contributing factors and discuss appropriate next steps for your recovery.
