Ankle Sprains

What is an Ankle Sprain? Symptoms and Treatment

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments surrounding the ankle joint are stretched or torn. There are three main classifications of ankle sprains:

Grade 1 (Mild): Involves stretching or microscopic tears of the ligament.
Grade 2 (Moderate): Involves partial tearing of the ligament.
Grade 3 (Severe): Involves a complete tear of the ligament, causing significant instability at the joint.

Common Causes of Ankle Sprains Ankle sprains are commonly caused by activities such as walking or exercising on uneven surfaces, falling, or participating in sports that require quick changes in direction or movements that involve rolling or twisting the foot. Additionally, sports activities where one athlete steps on another’s foot while running can cause the foot to twist or roll, leading to an ankle sprain.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For:

Swelling around the ankle
Bruising
Tenderness to touch
Instability or a feeling of weakness in the ankle

Treatment of Ankle Sprains

Treatment for an ankle sprain can be broken down into different stages:

Protection and Inflammation Control: Initial treatment focuses on protecting the injured ankle and controlling inflammation, typically through rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E.). Anti-inflammatory medications may also be used.
Restoring Range of Motion and Strength: Once the inflammation subsides, the next step is to restore the range of motion and strength of the ankle through targeted exercises and physiotherapy.
Gradual Return to Activity: The final stage involves a structured rehabilitation program to safely return to normal activities. This includes improving strength, range of motion, proprioception (balance), endurance, and agility to prevent future injuries.

Further Investigations In some cases, imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI) may be required to assess the extent of the injury. Your physiotherapist or podiatrist can arrange for these tests.

Severe Sprains and Additional Support In more severe cases (Grade 3 sprains), a boot or brace may be recommended to provide additional support during the healing process. It is important not to attempt self-treatment for moderate to severe sprains, as incorrect management can lead to further complications.

For chronic ankle instability, footwear modifications and custom orthotics may be necessary to address poor foot mechanics that contribute to recurrent sprains.

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You can reach us at (08) 9271 8805 and one of our friendly team members will be happy to answer your questions.