Why Does My Ankle Keep Rolling? Understanding Recurrent Sprains in Sport

Have you ever been running, jumping, or even just walking — and suddenly, your ankle gives way again?
That sickening roll, a sharp pain, and you're back on the sidelines wondering, "Why does this keep happening?"

If this sounds familiar, you're definitely not alone. Recurrent ankle sprains are one of the most common issues we see at North Parramatta Physio. Let’s dive into why your ankle might keep rolling — and more importantly, what you can do about it.

Why Ankles Keep Rolling: The Main Reasons

When you first sprain your ankle, the ligaments (the tough bands that hold your bones together) get stretched or even torn. But even after the pain settles down, the injury can leave behind some hidden problems:

1. Weak ligaments
Once stretched, your ligaments might not "snap back" to their original tightness. They stay a bit looser, which means your ankle isn’t as stable as it once was.

2. Poor balance and proprioception
Proprioception is your body's ability to sense where it is in space. After an injury, your ankle might not send strong signals to your brain anymore. That split-second delay can be enough to cause another roll.

3. Muscle weakness
The muscles around your ankle, especially the peroneals (along the outside of your lower leg), help keep your ankle steady. If they’re weak from lack of use or incomplete rehab, they can’t protect you properly.

4. Returning to sport too soon
It’s easy to feel eager — especially when you love your sport — but jumping back in before your ankle is fully healed can set you up for another sprain.

How Physiotherapy in North Parramatta Can Help

Here at North Parramatta Physiotherapy & Sports Injuries Clinic, we often see athletes and active people who feel stuck in a frustrating cycle of ankle sprains. The good news?
There’s a lot we can do to help you break that cycle.

What a local physio in North Parramatta will focus on:

✅ Strengthening the supporting muscles
We’ll guide you through exercises that target not just your ankle but your whole lower leg, hip, and core. A strong foundation helps protect you better.

✅ Balance and proprioception training
Simple but powerful exercises (like standing on one leg with your eyes closed!) can retrain your brain and muscles to react faster and smarter.

✅ Manual therapy and mobility work
Sometimes, stiffness or scar tissue needs a little hands-on help to get things moving again.

✅ Sport-specific drills
We’ll gradually build you back up with drills that match the movements in your sport — whether it’s netball, soccer, running, or anything else you love.

✅ Education and prevention strategies
We’ll teach you how to strap your ankle, warm up properly, and spot early warning signs before they turn into bigger issues.

Can I Really Get Back to Sport After Recurrent Sprains?

Absolutely. With the right rehabilitation plan, most people not only get back to their sport — they come back stronger.
It takes patience, consistency, and a bit of expert help, but it’s 100% doable.

And remember: treating a rolled ankle properly now can save you a lot of trouble (and pain) down the road, including avoiding chronic ankle instability or even arthritis later in life.

Need Help With a Rolling Ankle?

If you're tired of your ankle letting you down when you least expect it, we’re here to help.
At North Parramatta Physio, our team is experienced in sports injury rehabilitation and getting you back doing what you love, safely and confidently.