Ankle-Joint Pain
Ankle pain affects more than just your ankle.
When the ankle is not functioning well, the way you walk changes. The knee, hip, and lower back all begin to compensate. Over time, those compensations can create their own problems in areas that seem unrelated to the original injury.
Most people don’t realise how interconnected the foot and ankle are with the rest of the body. A sprain that was not fully rehabilitated, a gradual stiffness that has built over years, or recurring discomfort that keeps coming back, these are all worth looking at properly.
At Northbridge Chiropractic, we assess what may be contributing to your ankle pain and work with you on a care plan suited to your situation
What Can Contribute to Ankle Joint Pain
Why Getting Assessed Early Makes a Difference
An ankle sprain is one of the most commonly dismissed injuries. Many people follow initial first aid such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation, and assume the ankle will settle on its own.Sometimes it does. But in many cases, the small bones of the foot can shift during a sprain, and without a proper assessment, a subtle misalignment or incomplete rehabilitation can leave the ankle more vulnerable to further injury down the track.
We often see people who experienced an ankle sprain months or even years earlier and have been dealing with lingering stiffness, instability, or recurring discomfort since. Early assessment after an ankle injury can help identify what has been affected and what the body needs to recover well.
How We Approach Ankle Joint Pain at Northbridge Chiropractic
We start with a thorough assessment before anything else.
We look at the ankle and foot and at how the rest of the lower limb and spine are functioning. We ask about how the pain started, your activity levels, your footwear, and your daily routine. Because the ankle is part of a connected system, what is happening at the knee, hip, and pelvis can all play a role in how the ankle is loading and moving.
Depending on what we find, your care may include chiropractic assessment and adjustment of the ankle, foot, and surrounding joints to support proper movement and function, soft tissue therapy and myofascial release for the muscles and tendons of the lower leg and foot, dry needling to address trigger points contributing to pain and tightness in the calf, Achilles, or plantar region, rehabilitation exercises to support ankle stability and strength, stretching recommendations tailored to your specific situation, and practical guidance on footwear, activity modification, and load management where relevant.
Ankle Stretches Commonly Recommended
Gentle stretching of the foot and ankle can support movement and help manage discomfort during recovery. Some commonly recommended stretches include:
- Toe splay
- Toe extension
- Big toe stretches
- Achilles stretch
- Toe raise, point and curl
Your practitioner will recommend the stretches most relevant to your situation and guide you on how to perform them safely. The right approach depends on the nature of your ankle pain, which is why assessment comes first.
Two Things You Can Try in the Meantime
These are general suggestions that many people find helpful while managing ankle discomfort. They are not a substitute for a proper assessment, but they are a practical starting point.
What Happens at Your Appointment
If this is your first visit to Northbridge Chiropractic, here is what to expect.
Your first appointment is longer than a standard visit. We take time to understand your history, how the ankle pain started, and what you have already tried. We ask about previous ankle injuries, your activity levels, your footwear, and your daily routine.
We then carry out a physical assessment of the ankle, foot, and surrounding structures.
We will walk you through what we find and explain what may be contributing to your discomfort. If we feel chiropractic care may be appropriate for your situation, we will outline what a care plan could look like and give you a realistic sense of what to expect over time.
There is no pressure. You are welcome to ask as many questions as you like before making any decisions.
Follow-up appointments are more focused. As we get to know how your body responds, we adjust the approach accordingly.
Would you like to understand what may be contributing to your ankle pain?
If ankle discomfort has been affecting your movement, your activity, or your daily life, we would be happy to help.
Book online to secure your appointment with Dr Mario Vinci or Dr Nicola Colebrook at Northbridge Chiropractic, Perth. Or call us on (08) 9227 9341.
We accept all major health fund cards.
Get in touch
- 6/177 Stirling Street Perth WA 6000
Opening Hours
Dr Mario:
Monday 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Tuesday & Thursday 8:30 am – 7:00 pm
Friday 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
Saturday 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Dr Nicola:
Monday 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Wednesday – 8:30 am – 7:00 pm
Friday 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
