Lateral Ankle Sprain Treatment Oakville
Dr. Steve Knighton has extensive experience treating ankle sprains, our chiropractic treatment approach helps patients recover quickly and effectively. Dr. Steve and his physiotherapy team say ankle sprains are one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries, with most people experiencing at least one in their lifetime.
Understanding the severity of your injury and seeking the right treatment is crucial for a full and lasting recovery. Both our physiotherapy and chiropractic treat lateral ankle sprains at our Oakville clinic.
Ankle sprain symptoms can vary from mild discomfort to severe pain and instability. With a mild sprain, you may still be able to continue physical activity with caution. However, a more severe sprain can lead to significant swelling, bruising, and mobility limitations—sometimes requiring medical intervention and even taking longer to heal than a broken ankle.
If you’re experiencing ankle pain, don’t let it slow you down. Dr. Steve Knighton’s expert, evidence-based care in Oakville, using advanced treatment techniques to reduce pain, restore function, and prevent future injuries.
Sprained Ankle After A Sports Injury
What’s the best treatment for ankle sprains?
Our Oakville therapists treat all kinds of ankle injuries. The most common are lateral ankle sprains. Treatment for a confirmed ankle sprain will include IFC and heat, Shockwave Therapy, Instrument Assisted Tissue Treatment, and in most cases an ankle adjustment.
Once Dr. Steve and his physiotherapy team has confirmed the diagnosis of a ankle sprain and not sinus tarsi, a fracture or arch injury, or a Calf/Achilles issue, a game plan will be given to the patient and treatment will begin.
Download Free Ankle Strengthening PDF
If your ankle sprain symptoms are related to a workplace injury, learn how to start a WSIB claim and access approved treatment in Oakville.
Ankle Sprain Treatment Video:
What Our Patients Are saying
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Dr. Jenn was great to work with. I’d recommend her
Lida Liu
November 7, 2024Dr Steve and team have transformed my neck and upper back. They worked their magic to help release tension and my sleep is much better. Bonus - they love dogs so mine come to appts for social visits!
Vidya B
September 7, 2024Awesome experience. Very welcoming and always left feeling rejuvenated
John Stones
July 7, 2024 -
I have had the pleasure of working with Vinaya at Nottinghill Family Wellness Centre over the last five months, and I can’t recommend her highly enough! From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. Vinaya took the time to listen to my concerns and thoroughly assessed... read more
Jeff Barbosa
October 7, 2024One of the best choices I've made! Dr. Steve and his team are extremely warm and friendly, provide great care, and the service is great! I came here to fix my bunions, and I can already feel an improvement after a few sessions.
Elizabeth So
September 7, 2024Dr. Steve was amazing! He listened to my issues & addressed them according. He was friendly and empathetic.
Sabrina Hasan
August 7, 2024 -
so good!!! the people are lovely and the service is so effective! felt results after session one!
lilly montelongo
August 7, 2024Dr. Steve is the coolest guy ever. He was so kind and communicative to me. My first experience ever going to a chiropractor and I was very nervous because physical contact makes me anxious. He talked me through everything, asked permission before every position and checked in on my comfort... read more
Katie Chris
February 6, 2025My husband and I have been attending the Nottinghill Family Wellness Centre for almost a year now, and we are so pleased. Dr. Jenn is consistently professional, caring and helpful to both of us for our physio well-being. She is a brightness to our day every time we visit. The... read more
Elle S
February 13, 2025
What is a Lateral Ankle Sprain?
A lateral ankle sprain typically results from sudden trauma, causing pain on the outer ankle, with possible swelling or bruising in severe cases. Inner ankle pain may occur due to bone and tissue compression.
Sprains are classified as Grade 1, 2, or 3 based on severity. A professional assessment, including range of motion and resistance tests, determines the extent of the injury.
Immediate care follows the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). Apply ice for 10–15 minutes every hour for the first 24–48 hours, then seek professional treatment.
Most ankle sprain treatment protocols include scientifically backed ankle and foot exercises!
If you think you are suffering from a lateral ankle sprain call our physiotherapy and chiropractic clinic today! 905-827-4197.
What are the 4 Steps in Ankle Sprain Treatment?
1. Interferential Current Therapy (IFC)
Interferential Current Therapy (IFC) is a electric stimulation machine that is applied with suction cups and a vacuum and not sticky pads. The stimulation promotes blood flow, loosens the tissue, decreases pain, and when combined with a Heat Pack, helps loosen up the joint and prepare the muscles around the ankle for shockwave therapy.
2. Shockwave Therapy for Ankle Sprains:
Shockwave Therapy is an air powered gun that fires a bullet 15 times a second for up to 1500 hits on the injured area. Shockwave is the gold standard for treatment at our Oakville clinic and is included in the price of treatment. The shockwave breaks up tight-damaged tissue and allows the body to build new blood vessels and heal acute and chronic ankle issues. The Shockwave treatment can be modulated between 0.5BAR and 5.0BAR to work with the patient’s pain tolerances.
3. Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Treatment:
Dr. Steve uses his scraping tools on most patients with ankle injuries. The metal tools are dragged/pushed against the skin and help loosen up superficial tendons/ligaments and muscles. The treatment process has the IFC/Heat get a ton of blood to the damaged area and then the Shockwave treats the deeper tissue and then the “scraper” treat the superficial tissue.
4. Ankle Adjustments:
Once all the treatment above is performed and Dr. Steve feels your ankle joint is stuck, if needed, he will adjust your ankle. If the ankle moves, this will be a life changing event for a chronic ankle sprain patient. To adjust a patients ankle, Dr. Steve has the patients lie face up on the table, the patient locks their body into the table with their hands and non-injured leg. Dr. Steve then rotates the ankle 30 degree from the midline and pulls the foot/ankle. Most patients will hear an audible pop and when they stand up, will feel like their ankle is floating on the ground.
What to do at home with an Ankle Sprain
Patients will go home with icing instructions and a specific game plan based upon a bunch of factors including age, activity level, job type, timeline of injury, and overall damage to the ankle.
Should I get treated by a physiotherapist for an ankle sprain?
At our clinic there is very little difference in the way our chiropractic team treats ankle sprains compared to a our physiotherapy team. Vinaya and Dr. Steve agree 100% on the treatment of ankle sprains so if its an insurance issue, just get in and get treated by our physiotherapist for your ankle pain. Physiotherapy treatments are 30 minutes in length and will include shockwave therapy and at home ankle and foot strengthening exercises.
Are You Suffering from puffy pockets around the ankle?
Dr. Steve has become a guru of puffy pockets around the ankle. In most cases this is caused by Sinus Tarsi Syndrome. The puffy areas around the ankle come from chronic ankle sprains and poor biomechanics of the ankle. This causes layers of inflammation. If this sounds like you check out our Sinus Tarsi Treatment Protocol for puffy pockets around the ankle.
Lateral Ankle Sprain FAQs
- What is a lateral ankle sprain?
- What causes a lateral ankle sprain?
- What are the symptoms of lateral ankle sprain?
- Does shockwave therapy help with lateral ankle sprain?
- How do I know I have a lateral ankle sprain and not a broken ankle?
- How do I treat a lateral ankle sprain?
- Do I need to see a doctor before having my lateral ankle sprain treated?
- What exercises should I do for lateral ankle sprain?
- Do I have to stop all my activities for lateral ankle sprain?
- Should I ice or heat my lateral ankle sprain?
A lateral ankle sprain is when you roll your ankle and the pain is usually on the bottom of the outside of the ankle or at the base of your 5th (baby toe). A lateral ankle sprain is the most common ankle sprain.
Lateral ankle sprains are caused by over pronation of your foot.
Pain and swelling on the outside of the ankle or foot. Pain and swelling lower down from and ankle towards your big toe. You could also get bruising and pitting edema in the damaged area. Pain when walking and stiffness is normal.
Yes, shockwave therapy is one the best treatments for Lateral Ankle Sprains. The shockwave promotes healing and blood flow to the damaged area. Just make sure to ice after treatment.
Unless your foot is turned the wrong way, the only true way to confirm that the ankle is broken is with an xray. 3 key factors are pitting edema, severe pain when walking ( can not walk on it) and massive swelling or bruising. Pitting edema is when you press your finger into the swollen area then release and the mark of your finger remains.
The best treatment for lateral ankle sprains is a combination of rest and ice. Passive treatment involves: IFC, Graston, Shockwave Therapy, Laser, Bracing and Manual Ankle adjustments.
If you suspect its broken, make sure you see a doctor. If you come to our Oakville clinic and we think it is a fracture, Dr. Steve will send you to your MD for xrays.
Nothing whilst the ankle is painful and swollen. Once the range of motion returns, the swelling goes down and the pain subsides start with basic lunges to get full range of motion back. After that get into some ankle strengthening and stretching exercises.
Most likely yes, allow it time to heal. Even a couple of days off of physical activity with some icing can have great results.
Always ICE a swollen ankle!