Ankle pain and anatomy of the ankle I Zurich

The road back to fitness after an ankle sprain

The way back to sport after an ankle sprain

Whether you're playing an intense game of basketball, jogging on uneven ground, on the badminton or tennis court - one wrong step and your ankle is sprained. Such moments often happen faster than you can say "ouch". But don't worry! In many cases, only the anterior, outer collateral ligament is affected and recovery is usually quick and positive.


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Ruth Winistörfer
September 8, 2026
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I am infinitely satisfied with the consultation, treatment, and support. Thank you.
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Please
August 11, 2026
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I can fully recommend Waidfuss Physiotherapy in Wipkingen. The entire team is super friendly. I immediately felt in good hands. The treatment was very effective. In addition, I was taught important knowledge about my complaints and how to manage them. The exercises for home were also efficient. They were designed in such a way that you could tell the therapists are interested in the long-term success of the patient. On top of that, the Waidfuss team was extremely motivating. Thank you very much!
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Silvan Schweizer
June 3, 2026
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I went here for rehab after my ACL tear surgery and felt very well cared for. I liked the competent, focused, but also humorous approach to the therapy. Every session was different, with modern approaches and various exercises. Top!
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Ralph Füglister
May 20, 2026
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I am very satisfied with the treatment at Physiotherapie Waidfuss Wipkingen & Höngg. The entire team is friendly, professional, and really takes time for their patients. You feel taken seriously and are in the best of care. The therapies have noticeably helped me and the atmosphere is very pleasant. Absolute recommendation!
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Benedikt Schmid
January 23, 2026
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Very competent and friendly.
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Thomas Baumgartner
December 29, 2025
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Philipp is fantastic, he really has it under control - I can warmly recommend him, he knows all the applications and tricks, and the nice and GOOD thing is that it always helps, even if it hurts a bit - It's great how you operate - Goal-oriented - Healing!
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Pascal Steck
November 13, 2025
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I had two injuries, both of which were treated in a flash. Super professional, competent, and just very nice people. Thank you very much for everything!

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Patrik Uihlein
October 23, 2025
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I can only warmly recommend Philipp Schröder! Very competent, precisely addresses complaints and needs, is up to date, and a super pleasant person! His diverse tips and exercises are simple and quick to apply in between. He focuses on long-term and sustainable improvement and stability, not just for current complaints but for the entire body. Thank you very much, Philipp!
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Lavdim Miftari
September 25, 2025
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I had severe pain in my left shoulder, a burning, truly unpleasant pain that weighed heavily on me. After just the second treatment with my physiotherapist Philipp, the pain was almost gone. He really is a Superman: highly competent, with a lot of experience, big strong hands, and the right intuition for what needs to be done. The treatment not only helped me, but was also fun because he stays attentive, listens, and chats with you during it instead of just silently doing his work for 30 minutes. A very, very good man, I never thought my pain could disappear so quickly.
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M “Markus D” D
February 12, 2025
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Thank you Chiara! Your treatments and tips helped me so much to return to my activities pain-free 😊 !

After the ankle injury

The first step after an ankle sprain

A twisted or twisted foot can be very painful. However, with the right follow-up treatment, you can get back on your feet quickly. Did you know that 70% of those affected who do not receive appropriate treatment often suffer re-injuries? That is why it is essential to act quickly.

Your support from physiotherapy

Our physiotherapy aims to get you back to your everyday life safely and quickly. We also want to ensure that you are soon active again and prevent future injuries and chronic instabilities. This is because persistent instabilities increase the risk of Osteoarthritis in the ankle joint.Ankle injury during sport

Our therapeutic approach is individually adapted to your healing phases. In the initial phase, we offer you strategies for everyday life to avoid strain. In the following sessions, we increase the load in a controlled manner - the training begins! As a rule, after 4-8 weeks (or 8-12 weeks in the case of more serious injuries) you will reach the same level of function as before the injury.

What exactly is an ankle sprain?

An ankle sprain, also known as an ankle sprain, can have varying degrees of severity, from a strain of the ligaments and muscles to a complete tear. In 93% of cases, the anterior, outer collateral ligament tears. With the right follow-up treatment, those affected often have a good chance of making a full recovery. However, particularly severe cases in which the posterior outer ligament or other structures are also affected may require longer rehabilitation periods.

What to do in the event of an ankle sprain?

The PECH rule used to be recommended: Rest, ice, compression and elevation. Nowadays, however, the most modern treatment is based on the PEACE and LOVE principle:

  • Protection: Avoid painful movements in the first few days after the injury.
  • Elevation: Raise the leg as often as possible, ideally above heart level.
  • Avoid anti-inflammatories: Avoid anti-inflammatory drugs, as they can slow down the healing process.
  • Compression: Use compression bandages or tapes to reduce swelling.
  • Education: Well-informed patients heal faster. We attach great importance to informing you.
  • Load: Later in the healing process, it is important to increase the load in a targeted manner, always in harmony with your pain sensation.
  • Optimism: A positive attitude promotes the healing process.
  • Vascularization: Pain-free activities such as cycling or swimming support healing.
  • Exercise: Physiotherapy helps you to regain strength and mobility through targeted exercises.

Conservative therapy versus surgery

In most cases, conservative therapy has advantages over surgery - shorter rehabilitation times and fewer complications are just some of them. Surgery is usually only necessary in cases of severe trauma (grade 3) or additional bone fractures. Studies show that even after severe injuries (grade 3), patients treated with physiotherapy recover just as well as after surgery.

Walking the path to recovery together

Let us work together on your recovery! Trust our expertise and our tried and tested treatment methods. Whether you're a jogger, recreational badminton player or tennis enthusiast - we'll help you get back to your favorite sport soon, pain-free and full of energy.

Your path back to mobility starts here!

Your motivational guide after an ankle sprain

An ankle sprain is not the end, but the beginning of a new, challenging chapter. Whether you've been injured while running, on the badminton or tennis court, or during another sporting activity, the good news is that you can come back stronger than ever. The journey of recovery may be tough, but each stage along the way brings you closer to your comeback.

The first stage is to accept the injury and prepare yourself mentally. The ankle sprain is your new challenge, and with the right attitude you can overcome it. Every small improvement is a step in the right direction.

Patience and continuity are crucial. Sporting success does not happen overnight and the same applies to healing an ankle sprain. Follow your rehabilitation plan with discipline and consistency. The road back to your normal activities starts here and now.Leg foot injury during sport

Our physiotherapy is not only focused on your physical recovery, but also on giving you mental support. Through targeted exercises and individual support, every session becomes an opportunity to get closer to your sporting comeback.

Use the rehabilitation period to build an even stronger foundation. Strengthen your weak points and improve your overall fitness to not only return to your previous level of performance, but even surpass it.

Let your family, friends and team motivate and support you. The shared joy of progress and shared strength are invaluable assets on your journey of recovery and return to sport.

An ankle sprain may be challenging, but remember: your comeback starts today. Trust in your body, your mental strength and the support of those around you. Together we can do it!

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