Check out the latest in Accelerated News
READ MORE
Looking to attend an Accelerated event?
Patient Information
Ankle Sprains - Download PDF
What is an ankle sprain?
An ankle sprain is a stretching or tearing of the ligaments (fibrous bands of tissue that connects bones to one another) in the ankle when the ankle moves outside is it's normal range of motion (ROM). Ankle sprains are classified on their severity by Grades 1, 2, and 3 with one being the least severe and 3 the most severe including complete rupture of one or more of the tendons in the ankle.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms are pain in the foot and ankle, swelling, and bruising. A "pop" may be heard in severe cases. A loss of ROM from the swelling and injury as well as difficulty walking due to pain with weigh bearing through the ankle may also occur. A feeling of instability can occur immediately after the injury as well as lead to chronic instability or difficulty will balance if not treated properly.
Causes
The most common type of ankle sprain is an inversion sprain, which means the ankle is rolled over the outside of the foot, resulting in stretching or tearing of the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. An eversion sprain is fairly uncommon and is characterized by rolling over the inside of the foot damaging the ligaments on the inside of the ankle. A high ankle sprain is usually caused by a forceful outward twisting of the foot most typically in sporting activities.
Physical Therapy Treatment
Immediately after the injury the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) is recommended. Physical therapy after an ankle sprain will typically start with edema massage, active and passive techniques to regain lost ROM, gentle strengthening, normalizing walking patterns and progressively improving your balance. They may also include modalities to help control pain and swelling. As the ankle recovers more challenging balance activities and return to sport activities are introduced to prevent reoccurrence of the injury. If instability from an old sprain is felt a physical therapist can also help to improve the balance and control to reduce fall risk.
Sefton J, Yarar C, Hicks-Little C, Berry J, Cordova M. Six Weeks of Balance Training Improves Sensorimotor Function in Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(2):81-89, Epub 10 November 2010. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.3365. Norkin, C and Levangie, P:Joint Structure and Function A Comprehensive Analysis, 2nd ed. F.A. Davis Company, Philadelphia, 1992.
