Sprained Ankles and Physio

A sprained ankle is a painful injury that happens when the ankle ligaments have been overstretched. A sprained ankle can vary in severity. It may be mild, such as a twisted or rolled ankle, through to more severe injuries such as complete ligament tears, broken bones or avulsion fractures.

A sprained ankle is a common injury involving the ligaments that support the ankle joint. The majority of the time it is the ligaments on the outside of the ankle which are affected, this is called a lateral ankle sprain. The ligaments on the inside of the ankle are stronger and broader, making it less likely to injury this area compared to the outside ligaments.

The outside of the ankle joint contains three ligaments which attach to the lateral malleolus (the bony protrusion on the outside of the ankle):

1. The anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL): this ligament spans a short distance towards the toes.

2. The calcaneofibular ligament (CFL): this ligament joins from the bony protrusion on the outside of the ankle to the heel bone.

3. The posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL): this ligament spans towards the back of the heel.

The Causes of a Sprained Ankle

A lateral ankle sprain happens when the foot is rolled inwards. This can strain the outer ligaments in the ankle which normally prevent this movement. A lateral ankle sprain can happen when running or walking over uneven ground, or when suddenly changing direction. Almost everyone has rolled their ankle at some point, usually not in a serious manner. However, a more severe ankle sprain usually requires some rehabilitation to ensure a complete recovery and to reduce the likelihood of it happening again.

Symptoms of an Ankle Sprain

An ankle sprain causes pain and swelling in the affected area. Depending on the severity there may be difficulty walking. Some of the symptoms experienced after an ankle sprain may include:

• Cracking or popping sounds from the ankle

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Ankle pain

• Tenderness

• Trouble standing or walking

Sprained Ankle Treatment

An experienced physiotherapist is qualified in diagnosing and treating sprained ankles. Physio for sprained ankles will include a thorough examination and history to determine how severe the injury is. If necessary, a referral for more tests such as an X-ray, MRI or CT scan may be needed to determine the extent of the injury and the specific ligaments or bones involved.

Physio for Sprained Ankles

Initially, after an injury, it is important to help settle the symptoms. This is done using ice, compression, elevation and reducing the load on the injury. Specific strapping methods are often recommended to protect the ligaments effectively while they heal. Unless the injury is severe, complete non-weight bearing isn’t always necessary. However, a physio will determine the severity and will rule out a fracture using clinical tests or an X-ray.

After the initial treatment to settle symptoms, a sprained ankle treatment plan will be developed and may consist of:

• Strengthen exercises

• Balance exercises

• Mobilisation and manual therapy

• Taping or bracing

Ankle sprains are a very common type of injury. Ankle sprains can vary in severity, and commonly re-occur in those who have had previous injuries. Physio for sprained ankles can help to reduce symptoms, increase strength and stability and help to prevent another injury occurring.

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