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Sprained ankle
Sprained ankle accounts for 10-25% of all sports injuries, in which 80% are lateral ankle sprains. The injury occurs when the ankle rolls or twist in an awkward way causing ligaments (tough tissue bands) to tear. There are major 3 lateral ankle ligaments (ATFL, CFL, PTFL), the ATFL and CFL are most commonly injured.
The severity of ligament damage is split into 3 level of severity:
- Grade I: minor - micro tears
- Grade II: moderate - partial tear of the fibres
- Grade III: Severe – ruptured ligament
Symptoms
- Difficulty or pain while weight-bearing (standing or walking)
- Pain or swelling around lateral ankle
- Discolouration of the skin due to bruising
- Limited range of movement
- Tenderness when touching the ankle
Physiotherapy Treatment
Early stage
- P.O.L.I.C.E. (Prevention, Optimal Loading, Ice, Compression, Elevation
- Gentle non-weight bearing ankle movements
Rehabilitative
- Range of motion
- Strength: Local & global muscles
- Local : ankle eversion with resistance band, calf raises
- Global: gluteal and quadriceps
- Balance
- Single leg balance
- Reactive balance (catching a ball while standing on one leg)
- Sports specific
- Agility
- Landing drills
- Single leg hop
Other treatment methods
- Ankle taping or bracing
- Acupuncture for pain and swelling
References
Kemler, Van de port, Backx & Niek van Dijk (2011). A systematic review on the treatment of acute ankle sprain
Wikstrom, Hubbard-Turner & Mckeon (2013). Understanding and treating lateral ankle sprains and their consequences
Kobayashi & Gamanda (2014). Lateral ankle sprain and chronic ankle instability.
