Ankle Sprain

The problem

Ankle sprains generally occur from an injury where ligaments which support the ankle are damaged/torn
This leads to swelling, pain and restriction of movement
Once the ligament has been damaged, it is necessary to 1) allow time to heal, and 2) rehabilitate correctly to ensure return to normal function
Ligaments can take up to 12 weeks to heal, due to poor blood supply
The ligaments of the ankle are grouped into two categories: the Lateral Collateral Ligaments and the Medial Collateral Ligaments

Hints for self-management

Initial management should follow the RICER principles R: Rest I: Ice wrapped in towel (20mins every 2 hours for the first 48 hours post injury) C: Compression E: Elevation R: Review with a health professional
If there is excessive pain or pain that persists for more than a few days, this may indicate a more serious injury such as a fracture or a high ankle sprain; both which require medical attention immediately

Interesting facts

Injury to the lateral or outside ligaments of the ankle is more common than to the medial ligaments, as these are not as well supported by the bony structures of the ankle
Damaging ligaments will affect your ability to balance
Swelling can often persist in the ankle due to gravity
Many sports, including Netball, require athletes to tape their ankles before playing a game to help prevent the extremely high rate of injury

Management options

An x-ray can be taken to rule out a fracture
Conservative treatment such as support and strengthening exercises will be very effective in most ankle sprains
If a fracture or high ankle sprain is present, immobilisation +/- surgery may be required to allow healing

What you can expect/look out for

Pain
Swelling
Bruising
Difficulty walking
Restriction of range of movement

More information

Current evidence suggests that a combination of paracetamol and an NSAID (anti-inflammatory) may offer superior pain relief compared with either drug alone
Recent evidence suggests that controlled movement, together with ice and mobilization by your skilled physiotherapist can result in an earlier return to normal movement and function
Bracing or taping has been shown to assist in the prevention of recurrent ankle sprains. Neither bracing nor taping seems to be the better option, despite personal preferences for one or the other
http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/sprainsstrains/a/anklesprain.htm for more information

At Sydney Sports and Orthopaedic Physiotherapy our highly qualified physiotherapists specialise in the assessment, treatment and prevention of neuromusculoskeletal injuries.

Contact us today - 9252 5770

This handout was prepared by Sydney Sports and Orthopaedic Physiotherapy and is intended as a general information service. Please note that the information provided is not intended as a substitute for advice from a registered physician or healthcare professional. If symptoms persist, please consult your doctor.