
Ankle Pain
Understanding Ankle Pain
Ankle pain can make even simple activities like walking or climbing stairs difficult. It is a common problem that can affect people of all ages, from athletes to older adults. Whether you’ve recently sprained your ankle, are recovering from surgery, or live with ongoing stiffness and weakness, our goal is to help you restore movement, reduce pain, and prevent future injury.​ At Cogent Rehab Burlington, our physiotherapists specialize in treating ankle sprains, strains, and chronic instability so you can get back on your feet with confidence.
Common Causes of Ankle Pain
There are many reasons for ankle problems. The most common reasons are rolling or twisting the ankle, an abnormal walking pattern or gradual repetitive movements as seen in many sports.
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Sprains and strains — overstretched or torn ligaments and muscles from sudden twisting or rolling of the ankle.
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Fractures — broken bones in the ankle joint, often from trauma or falls.
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Tendon injuries — such as Achilles tendonitis or peroneal tendonitis, often due to overuse.
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Arthritis — including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, causing joint stiffness and pain.
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Chronic ankle instability — recurring “giving way” of the ankle after repeated sprains.
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Sports-related injuries — common in soccer, basketball, running, and other high-impact activities.
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Symptoms of Ankle Pain
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Sharp or dull pain in or around the ankle joint
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Swelling and bruising
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Difficulty bearing weight or walking
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Stiffness and reduced range of motion
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Weakness or feeling of “instability”
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Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
When To Seek Help
Mild ankle sprains may heal on their own, but professional care is recommended if:
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Pain, swelling, or bruising persists for more than a few days.
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You feel like your ankle is unstable or “gives way”.
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You’ve had repeated ankle sprains or ongoing stiffness.
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Pain interferes with walking, sports, or daily activities.
Seek urgent medical attention if you:
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Cannot bear weight on the ankle.
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Notice significant swelling, deformity, or inability to move the foot.
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Suspect a fracture or severe ligament tear.
At Cogent Rehab Burlington, we use manual therapy, exercise rehab, balance training, and advanced treatments like shockwave therapy to restore ankle strength and prevent future injuries.
Why Choose Cogent Rehab Burlington?
Unlike generic providers, Cogent Rehab combines clinic-based expertise with personalized care. Our ankle pain programs are connected to:
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Sports Physiotherapy for athletic recovery
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Orthopaedic Physiotherapy for joint and post-surgical care
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Running Assessment to analyze gait and prevent recurrence
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Workplace Wellness for job-related ankle injuries
We use a problem-oriented approach: thorough assessment, clear recovery goals, and ongoing progress tracking.
Our physiotherapists provide individualized care based on the root cause of your pain. Treatment may include:​
✅ Manual therapy to restore joint mobility and reduce stiffness
✅ Exercise therapy to strengthen muscles and improve balance
✅ Myofascial release and soft tissue techniques to relieve tightness
✅ Balance and proprioceptive training to prevent recurrent injuries
✅ Custom rehab programs for athletes returning to sport
Schedule An Appointment
Today
Don’t let ankle pain stop you from moving confidently.
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Book an appointment at Cogent Rehab Burlington today and take the first step towards pain-free mobility.
FAQs About Ankle Pain
Q1. How long does it take for an ankle sprain to heal?
Mild sprains may heal within 2–4 weeks, while more severe sprains can take several months. Physiotherapy can speed up recovery and prevent future sprains.
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Q2. Do I need to see a physiotherapist after an ankle injury?
Yes. Without proper rehab, ankle injuries often lead to chronic instability and repeated sprains. Physiotherapy helps restore strength, mobility, and stability.
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Q3. What is chronic ankle instability?
It’s a condition where the ankle repeatedly “gives way,” often due to incomplete rehab after previous sprains. Physiotherapy can help retrain muscles and improve stability.
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Q4. Can physiotherapy help arthritis in the ankle?
Yes. Targeted exercises, joint mobilizations, and activity modifications can help reduce pain, improve function, and delay progression of arthritis.
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Q5. When should I seek urgent care?
If you cannot bear weight, notice a lot of swelling/bruising, or suspect a fracture, you need to seek immediate medical attention before starting physiotherapy.
