If you often feel like your ankle is giving way or you’re regularly rolling it during everyday activities or sport, you could be dealing with chronic ankle instability. This condition is especially common in people with a history of repeated ankle sprains and can become a persistent problem without proper treatment.
We help people across Sydney’s Northern Beaches manage chronic ankle instability through personalised physiotherapy programs designed to restore strength, control, and confidence in movement.
What is Chronic Ankle Instability?
Chronic ankle instability is a condition where the outer side of the ankle repeatedly gives way. It usually develops after a series of ankle sprains that haven’t healed properly or haven’t been fully rehabilitated. Over time, the ligaments in the ankle become weakened, and the muscles around the joint may not react quickly enough to protect it.
You might notice symptoms such as a recurring feeling of your ankle “rolling out,” persistent swelling, pain, or difficulty with uneven surfaces. It’s particularly common in sports that involve jumping, pivoting, or rapid changes of direction.
Why Early Physio Matters
Ignoring ankle instability often leads to repeated injuries and long-term joint damage. Early physiotherapy can help stop this cycle. At MGS Physiotherapy, we assess the root cause of the instability and create a tailored plan to restore your ankle’s strength and control.
Our goal is to improve your ankle’s function and reduce the risk of future sprains. Through a combination of hands-on treatment, neuromuscular training, and strength exercises, we help you rebuild trust in your ankle.
Key Elements of Chronic Ankle Instability Treatment
Every case of ankle instability is unique, which is why our treatment is always personalised. Your physiotherapist will begin with a full assessment of your ankle’s mobility, muscle strength, balance, and gait.
Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques can help improve joint mobility, reduce stiffness, and ease pain. These may include soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation, and dry needling (if appropriate).
Balance and Proprioception Training
One of the biggest factors in ankle instability is a loss of proprioception—your body’s ability to sense where your joints are in space. Our physios use balance boards, single-leg drills, and dynamic stability exercises to retrain your ankle’s responsiveness.
Strengthening Exercises
Targeted exercises focus on the muscles surrounding the ankle, as well as the glutes and calves, which all play a role in stabilising the lower limb. These exercises start simple and progress as your control improves.
Gait and Running Analysis
If you’re a runner or play sport, our team can analyse your movement patterns to identify areas of inefficiency or instability. Adjustments in stride, footwear, or load can make a big difference to your overall performance and injury risk.
To see how sports-focused care can help, explore our dedicated sports physiotherapy service.
Home Program and Progression
We believe long-term improvement comes from consistent effort, which is why we develop a clear home program you can follow outside the clinic. As your strength and balance improve, we adjust your exercises to keep you progressing toward full recovery.
Preventing Future Sprains
One of the key benefits of working with a physiotherapist is learning how to prevent repeat injuries. Once you’ve recovered from ankle instability, we help you build resilience in your ankle to protect against future issues.
This might involve:
- Functional strengthening exercises
- Plyometric training (jumping and landing)
- Sport-specific drills
- Education on footwear and load management
If you’ve had multiple ankle sprains in the past, it’s worth getting an assessment—even if you’re currently pain-free. Instability can develop slowly over time and become a major barrier to staying active.
Why Choose MGS Physiotherapy?
At MGS Physio, we offer a highly personalised and evidence-based approach to treating ankle instability. Our team is experienced in working with athletes, weekend warriors, and active individuals who want to return to their best. Whether you’re recovering from a recent injury or managing long-term symptoms, our goal is to restore full function, reduce pain, and get you moving with confidence.
With locations in Manly, North Curl Curl, and Mona Vale, our clinics are equipped to provide hands-on care and guided rehabilitation in a friendly and professional environment.
Not sure where to start? Learn more about our full range of physiotherapy services or visit our homepage for more on what we offer.
Take the Next Step Toward Stronger Ankles
You don’t need to put up with unstable ankles. With the right treatment, you can regain confidence in every step, jump, or run. Chronic ankle instability is manageable, and the earlier you act, the better your outcomes.
Call now to book your sports physio appointment with MGS Physiotherapy.
CALL NOW TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT