ANKLE SPRAIN

What is an ankle sprain?

The ankle joint is made of four bones that are formed to fit snugly together. Ligaments, tough bands of collagen based tissue, support the ankle joint and guide its movement. An ankle sprain is an injury to the ankle ligaments. It can occur if you over stretch the ligaments with a stumble or fall. The ligament fibres, small blood vessels and small nerves are torn.

How serious is an ankle sprain?

Sprains vary in severity from a grade I where there is no excess laxity in the ligament to a grade III ligament injury where the there is a large amount of laxity. A seemingly simple ‘sprained ankle’ can be accompanied by injury to the muscle, cartilage or bone. Your physiotherapist will be able to assess the extent of your injury and tell you how long it is likely to take to recover.

Do I need an X-ray?

In most sprained ankles an x-ray is not required.

What should I do after an ankle sprain?

Rest
Keep weight off the injured ankle for the first couple of days. Some people need to walk with crutches.

Ice
Ice should be applied for 15 minutes every 2-4 hours for the first 24 hours and 2-3 times a day for the following 2 days. Ice is most effective in the first 72 hours post an injury. Ice minimises bruising and swelling. Ice in the early period after an injury reduces recovery time.

Compression
Compression also helps to reduce swelling. Apply a firm bandage from the foot to the middle of the calf.

Elevation
Elevate the leg so that the ankle is above the heart. Ideally you would elevate the ankle while applying the ice.

Do all ankle sprains need rehabilitation?

After an injury often the ankle has reduced flexibility, reduced muscle strength and reduced balance. Rehabilitation of an ankle sprain, even if it is minor, will help prevent future injury. Your physiotherapist will be able to determine how much rehabilitation you require and when it is safe for you to return to sport.

What do I do if I have had recurrent ankle sprains?

People with recurrent ankle sprains often have either gross laxity of the ankle or reduced balance or both. If you have had recurrent ankle sprains you will benefit from a physiotherapy program to improve ankle strength and balance.

How do I protect my ankle from future sprains?

On return to sport after a serious ankle ligament injury your ankle should be protected with taping or a brace 6-12 months. Your physiotherapist will be able to show you the best way to strap your ankle and advise you if a brace is required. Often a brace will be as effective and more cost efficient than taping the ankle over the long term.

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