Lateral ankle sprain is the most common ankle injury. It involves stretching and sometimes tearing of the ligaments surrounding the ankle. Most commonly it occurs when the ankle turns inwards, injuring the ligaments on the outside of your ankle.
he most commonly injures structure is the anterior talo-fibular ligament (ATFL). If the sprain is severe, it may involve other ligaments, tendons, bone or even the cartilage. It is therefore important that you get an ankle sprain assessed by a specialist to get an accurate diagnosis as the treatment will be different is you have associated fractures or cartilage injuries.
Management of a simple ankle sprain usually starts with P.R.I.C.E. therapy :
- Prevent re-injury;
- Rest;
- Ice:15 minutes every 3-4 hours;
- Compression using a crepe bandage;
- Elevation of the limb using a pillow).
Protection of the sprained ankle if the form of a brace/ cast or tape is usually done. Rehabilitation of the ankle using strengthening and balance exercise is important to return to normal function after an injury. Mainly includes :
- range of motion exercises
- strength training
- balancing/proprioceptive
Ankle sprain rehab essentially has three phases: Range of motion, Strengthening, Proprioception(balancing). The video illustrates exercises for ankle rehab. Please consult our orthopaedic for more information !
