Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains caused by trauma or previous injury can manifest in a variety of ways.

The treatment for ankle sprains varies a lot from patient to patient. This is due to the ankle joint's numerous intricate structures and functions.

Getting a good diagnosis from an expert in the area is the best method to rehabilitate and resolve ankle issues.

Ankle sprains are the most prevalent cause of ankle injury and pain, accounting for 10-30% of all musculoskeletal injuries in sports. They are not, however, limited to sports. Simple daily tasks like walking on uneven footpaths or falling down a gutter might throw you off balance. A painful stretch or tear of the ankle ligaments can occur if you place your foot in the improper posture. If you have a history of ankle sprains that were not properly treated, you may develop chronic ankle instability.

Rolling out (inversion) injuries, in which the ligaments on the outside of the ankle are injured, cause the majority of ankle sprains. Eversion (rolling in) injuries are uncommon, and they need a lot of power to tear the ligaments on the inside of the ankle.

Ankle sprains are graded on a scale of 1-3 based on their severity.

Grade 1 Ankle Sprains:

Minor edema, discomfort, and stiffness. Weight bearing is possible with minimal or no joint instability. There's no loss of ligament tension, and within 1-2 weeks, you may resume normal activities.

Grade 2 Ankle Sprains:

A serious injury that leaves you unable to bear weight and causes widespread swelling and discomfort. The loss of ligament tension is visible, and it takes 2-4 weeks before returning to normal activity.

Grade 3 Ankle Sprains:

Ankle instability is disrupted due to a severe injury. Multiple injuries, severe swelling and bruising, and substantial ligament damage. Going back to normal activity may take up to 6-8 weeks. Returning to normal activities is possible if proper rehabilitation and treatment are followed.

Diagnosing Ankle Sprains:

Examining, assessing, and rating patients in the clinic.
Ultrasound is used to determine the amount of the injury.

There are two sections to treatment for ankle sprains:

Acute therapy which is required right away.
Rehabilitation and recurrence prevention.

The following is a list of immediate treatments for ankle sprains:

Rest, ice, compress, and elevate your body (to decrease initial inflammation, bleeding and swelling).
If needed, anti-inflammatory medication for pain.
Strapping with a low dye content.
As soon as pain permits, partial weight bearing (i.e. crutches) can be used to aid rehabilitation.
If the damage is severe, use a moon boot or a non-weight-bearing cast.

Rehabilitation for Ankle Sprains:

Prolotherapy, dry needling, and foot mobility therapy are some of the treatments available.
Shoes with securing straps and that are supportive.
Exercising your range of motion
Stretching the calf muscles gently.
Proprioception training for ankle strengthening and rehabilitation (i.e. wobble boards, balance exercises).
Foot orthoses that are made to order.

Unfortunately, some persons with a history of ankle injuries do not respond well to treatment. They complain of chronic discomfort and instability in their ankles (depending on the grade of the initial injury).

This is due to a lack of treatment or rehabilitation. A diagnostic test (X-ray, US) may need to be reviewed or repeated. If there are any other problems or injuries affecting the ankle, an MRI, bone scan, or CT scan may be recommended.

The Podiatry Clinic has dealt with acute and chronic ankle sprains and strains before. We'll put you through a rigorous rehabilitation program to strengthen your ankle and get you back to normal weight-bearing activities and sports as soon as possible.

Ankle Sprains​

Ankle Sprains