Ankle Sprains - Symptoms and treatment
Lateral ankle sprains are one of the most common sporting injuries. This injury occurs when the ankle rolls inward, overstretching or tearing the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle. Effective treatment and rehabilitation are essential to prevent long-term issues such as chronic ankle instability.
Symptoms of Lateral Ankle Sprains
Key lateral ankle sprain symptoms include:
Pain: Immediate pain on the outer side of the ankle is common following an inversion injury or ‘rolling your ankle’.
Swelling and Bruising: Swelling can occur rapidly, often accompanied by bruising.
Limited Range of Motion: Moving the ankle and weight bearing on the affected leg can be difficult due to pain and swelling.
Instability: A feeling of instability or the ankle "giving way" may be experienced during movement.
Causes of Lateral Ankle Sprains
Several factors contribute to lateral ankle sprains:
Inversion Injuries (rolling your ankle): These are the most common causes, where the foot rolls inward, overstretching the outer ligaments. This often happens during running, jumping, or sudden direction changes.
Uneven Surfaces: Walking or running on uneven terrain increases the risk of twisting the ankle.
Previous Injuries: A history of lateral ankle sprains increases the likelihood of future sprains and may lead to chronic ankle instability.
Rehabilitation Strategies
Proper lateral ankle sprain treatment focuses on reducing symptoms and restoring function:
Initial Treatment (POLICE Method):
Protect, Optimal Loading, Ice, Compression and Elevation are essential for reducing pain and swelling immediately after the injury.
Rehabilitation Exercises:
Range of Motion Exercises: Gentle movements should begin as soon as the pain subsides to maintain mobility in the ankle joint.
Strengthening Exercises: After a lateral ankle sprain, strengthening exercises for the ankle are crucial. These may include resistance band exercises targeting ankle strength and stability.
Proprioception Training: This may involve exercises like single-leg stands and balance board exercises to restore balance and stability, reducing the risk of future sprains and developing chronic ankle instability.
Gradual Return to Activity:
A structured return-to-activity program is necessary to ensure a safe comeback to sports or physical activities. Monitoring for persistent pain or instability is crucial to avoid re-injury.
Conclusion
Lateral ankle sprains are common but treatable injuries. By following an effective treatment plan that includes rehabilitation exercises such as strength training and balance drills, most individuals can return to their regular activities without complications. Our ankle physiotherapists can assess and treat your injury to help prevent long-term issues like chronic ankle instability.
