What Are Ankle Sprains & How Do You Treat Them?
What are Ankle Sprains & how do you treat them? It is estimated that approximately 70% of us will sprain an ankle at some point in our lifetime. With sport in full swing at the moment, lateral ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries we are seeing throughout the clinic. In saying this, not all ankle sprains happen during sport and can occur at all ages.
What is an Ankle Ligament Sprain?
Ligaments hold bone to bone. As these bones are held together, they form a joint. Ligaments
are responsible for providing stability at that joint. Although ligaments are thick, strong bands of
tissues, they can be damaged when a force is applied that is too great to withstand.
Ankle sprains are categorised based on severity:
● Grade 1 – mild sprain with only a small amount of damage to the ligament
● Grade 2 – moderate sprain where some, but not all of the ligament is damaged
● Grade 3 – severe sprain with complete tearing of the lateral ankle ligament fibres
What Causes an Ankle Sprain?
Lateral ankle sprains most often occur in sports and activities that involve running, jumping and
sudden change in direction. These movements leave the ankle joint vulnerable to rolling
outwards, resulting in overstretching and tearing of the ligaments on the outside of the ankle.
Ankle sprains can also occur by simply rolling the ankle off a step or from wearing high heels
after too many Chardonnays.
outwards, resulting in overstretching and tearing of the ligaments on the outside of the ankle.
Ankle sprains can also occur by simply rolling the ankle off a step or from wearing high heels
after too many Chardonnays.
What are the symptoms?
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Limping/Pain with weight bearing
- Stiffness at the ankle
How can an Osteopath or Physiotherapist help?
Ankle sprains have one of the highest rates of re-injury and it is therefore vital that you undergo
appropriate rehabilitation to prevent chronic ankle instability.
appropriate rehabilitation to prevent chronic ankle instability.
Our management strategy at Willy Health & Lifestyle will aim to:
- Relieve: Reduce pain, swelling and bruising
- Retrain: Improve range of motion and restore normal walking pattern
- Strengthen: Exercises to regain strength, return to sport and be stronger than pre-injury status prevent reinjury
Acute management will involve following the PEACE & LOVE protocol. You can refer to our
previous blog here for more information.
previous blog here for more information.
If you are looking for support regarding your ankle sprain or instability, give us a call on 03 9397
8877 or book online here.
8877 or book online here.
Peter Vlahos
OSTEOPATH
References:
Halabchi, F., & Hassabi, M. (2020). Acute ankle sprain in athletes: Clinical aspects and
algorithmic approach. World journal of orthopedics, 11(12), 534–558.
https://doi.org/10.5312/wjo.v11.i12.534
Hiller, C. E., Nightingale, E. J., Raymond, J., Kilbreath, S. L., Burns, J., Black, D. A., &
Refshauge, K. M. (2012). Prevalence and impact of chronic musculoskeletal ankle disorders in
the community. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 93(10), 1801-1807
Halabchi, F., & Hassabi, M. (2020). Acute ankle sprain in athletes: Clinical aspects and
algorithmic approach. World journal of orthopedics, 11(12), 534–558.
https://doi.org/10.5312/wjo.v11.i12.534
Hiller, C. E., Nightingale, E. J., Raymond, J., Kilbreath, S. L., Burns, J., Black, D. A., &
Refshauge, K. M. (2012). Prevalence and impact of chronic musculoskeletal ankle disorders in
the community. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 93(10), 1801-1807
