An Ankle sprain is the “going over” on the ankle or foot causing an over stretching of the ligaments that hold the tibia and fibula on the talus bone. It is possible to sprain the ligaments on the inner or outer side of the ankle. In 90% of cases it is the ligaments of the outer side that are affected.
There are different degrees of sprain from a minor level to a total rupture of the ligament.
Signs/symptoms include pain/general swelling/bruising/unable to weight bear/inability to walk on foot.
For early treatment, I recommend what I refer to as RICE [rest, ice, compression, elevation].
It may be necessary to have an Xray to rule out a fracture.
While it is very important to rest an injury, it is necessary to seek treatment.
The objective of treatment is to restore full normal function of the ankle so the patient can return to activities that they were involved in before the injury occurred. It is necessary to achieve full passive and active range of movement and restore the normal balance function of the ankle.
If the ankle is not rehabilitated to full normal function, there is a greater risk of recurrence of further ankle injury.
Furthermore, there is the possibility of injury to the knee and hip/pelvis as the point of contact with the ground is not as stable and flexible as it should be thus placing greater stresses up the leg.
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