Most people consider an ankle sprain little more than a pain in the – ankle. Usually, they’ll treat it themselves, with ice and pain relief, and move on with their life. Or try to.

But according to Freestyle Feet owner and physiotherapist, Andrew Wynd, that’s one of the worst things you can do.

“The most common ankle sprain is called an ‘inversion injury’ where the foot and ankle turns inwards, whilst the body moves outwards - typically from stepping on the edge of a gutter, or landing on a another player's foot in Basketball,” said Wynd.

“This damages the lateral ligaments and we call this a ligament sprain when the fibres are stretched or in some cases torn.”

The immediate signs and symptoms include pain and swelling at the site of the injury on the outside of the ankle. Sometimes it is hard or even impossible to walk on.

Despite research telling us this is the most common sporting injury in the world, up to 70 per cent of first time ankle sprains do not seek treatment.

“This is mostly because it is thought it will get better on its own, and most people can continue to walk and function albeit it with some pain and discomfort,” said Wynd.

“They are not taken as seriously as they should, mostly due to a lack of knowledge about the possible consequences.”

Wynd said because many people “walk off” their ankle sprains and continue with sport and life, they may consider their injury to be low grade or minor.

“As such the injured patient thinks this is a relatively minor issue and they therefore do not need to seek treatment.

“Rest and ice and taking anti-inflammatory medications are the common self- management strategies that people use for the short term.”

But Wynd said all levels of ankle sprain risk developing into chronic ankle instability (CAI).

“CAI is when the ankle continues to have pain and a propensity to keep rolling it,” said Wynd.

“Studies show that even at 12 months after an initial ankle sprain, there are still significant deficits in strength, mobility and balance. This is despite the person returning to what they feel is normal activity.

“The long-term consequences of CAI include developing post traumatic arthritis, which can ultimately result in an operation to fuse the ankle.

“This is a disaster for participation in sport and exercise, as the ankle does not flex anymore making many athletic activities impossible.”

That’s why Wynd said a physiotherapist should always be seen in order to properly diagnose and treat the injury, regardless of how minor it may seem.

“Whilst visiting a GP or other health professional is better than nothing, a physiotherapist is a musculoskeletal expert trained in the diagnosis of the injury -- which helps identify the grade and severity of injury.

“Following an accurate diagnosis, a treatment plan and rehabilitation regime can be implemented which is very effective in both short and long term management.

“A skilled physiotherapist can treat any joint and muscle deficits and guide the patient through a progressive rehabilitation program that addresses each of the identified deficits in the joints and muscles.

“This has been shown to be effective and reduces the long term risk of further injury.”