Ankle sprains are one of the most common types of ankle injuries we as Podiatrists see, making up approximately 10-30% of all sports related musculoskeletal injuries. When you sprain your ankle, the ligaments around the ankle joint that stabilise and support the joint become injured. 

There are 3 types of ankle sprains:

• Inversion ankle sprains: When the ankle rolls
  inwards, damaging the ligaments on the outside of the ankle (Calcaneofibular
  ligament, Anterior talofibular ligament and Posterior talofibular ligament). This
  is the most common type of ankle sprain.

•       Eversion ankle sprains: When the ankle rolls outwards, damaging the ligaments on the inside of the ankle.

•       High ankle sprains: Injury to the ligaments that hold the 2 bones of the leg (tibia and fibula) together above the ankle.

o Recovery time: ~ 1-2 weeks.

o  Commence ice application, compression using a
bandage, elevation of the ankle.

Grade 2: Partial tear of 1 or more of the ankle ligaments.

o  Recovery time: ~ 2-4 weeks.

o   May require immobilisation with a moon boot or a splint.

Grade 3: Complete tear of 1 or more of the ankle ligaments.

o  Recovery time: ~ 6-8 weeks.

o  Immobilisation will be required for a longer
period.

o  Surgical reconstruction may also be considered
at this stage.

Treatment

The initial management of an acute ankle sprain includes the following:

• PRICE protocol (protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation) to reduce swelling.
• Early range of motion exercises and stretches such as ankle circles and gentle calf stretches to improve ankle mobility.
• Oral anti-inflammatory medications (Neurofen) for pain relief.
• Ankle strapping to increase ankle support.
• Moon boot depending on extent of injury.

Why is it important to get treatment for ankle sprains?

If the ankle isn’t rehabilitated properly following an ankle sprain it can make you more prone to recurrent ankle sprains. Repeated ankle sprains can lead to long-term issues like chronic ankle instability, pain and arthritis. The feeling of your ankle “giving way” can also occur with walking on even or uneven surfaces. These issues will have a great impact on a person’s ability to perform normal day-to-day activities.

Risks of not treating an ankle sprain early

The one mistake that people make is to wait for the ankle to get better itself without any treatment. By doing this, the ankle will take longer to heal and it can result in functional impairments in the ankle. Once the ankle injury becomes chronic, it is more difficult to heal due to the laxity of the ligaments. Hence why it is important to treat an ankle sprain early.

Since ankle sprains are such a common injury, many people may disregard the injury and not seek treatment to rehabilitate the ankle and restore the strength of the ankle.

Here are some ways your Podiatrist may help treat ankle sprains:

• Soft tissue release.
• Mobilisations
•  Taping
• Bracing
• Ankle strengthening and rehabilitation proprioception training.
• Footwear:
• • The types of shoes you wear are important as supportive shoes will help prevent your ankle from twisting out of place.
  • Shoes with a good arch support and a deeper heel cup are recommended.
  • It is best to avoid footwear that are flat with minimal support to prevent re-injury.
• Custom made orthotics.
  • Orthotics help protect the ligaments around the ankle from excessive strain and re-injury.