Ankle sprain
An ankle sprain is one of the most common sports-related injuries. It is caused by excessive stretching of the ligaments and other structures that provide stability to the joint, and can be associated with tears or even bone fractures.
In most cases, it is a mild problem and the most common is foot inversion trauma (where the foot turns inwards) and foot eversion trauma (where the foot turns outwards), which is much rarer.
They are classified according to different grades (I – mild; II – moderate; III – severe), depending on the size of the ligament injury and the associated clinical symptoms.
Symptoms
The main symptoms include pain, oedema (swelling), haematoma (bruising), tenderness, redness (flushing), increase in local temperature, difficulty in putting the foot on the ground, standing or walking. These symptoms vary according to the severity and type of injury.
After a sprain, early rehabilitation is essential and will allow a quicker and safer return to daily activities and sports, as the risk of re-injury is high. The P.R.I.C.E. method – Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation – should be started within 24 hours of injury to minimise pain and oedema. That said, you should seek medical advice and follow the most appropriate treatment for your situation.
In the rehabilitation process and according to its phase (inflammatory phase, healing phase or functional re-education phase), some physiotherapy techniques can be included, such as:
- Physical agents, such as ultrasound, laser or electrical stimulation, to help control pain and oedema and assist in the process of tissue repair;
- Specific ankle joint mobilisation techniques to improve range of motion and allow proper ligament healing;
- Teaching exercises to improve muscle strength, flexibility and ankle stability to compensate for the ligament injury and protect the ligament while it is healing;
- Teaching proprioceptive exercises, i.e. training the muscles of this joint to react quickly to changes in position, thus preventing repetitive sprains.
The recovery time after a sprain varies greatly, from 1 to 2 weeks (grade I sprain), 3 to 6 weeks (grade II sprain) and 6 to 12 weeks (grade III sprain). These recovery times will depend on several factors, such as the severity of the sprain, the time elapsed between the injury and the start of treatment, the type of treatment, the person’s occupation, their physical condition, symptoms and the history of previous sprains.
Recovery can be much faster with the use of physical agents such as TECAR therapy and electrotherapy. hydrotherapy can also be used for a quicker return to physical activity.
How to prevent an ankle sprain
Stability exercises are the best treatment for preventing sprains. These exercises improve the control of the joint position and prevent repetitive injuries.
The stability exercise programme should include dynamic, multi-directional and modality-specific exercises. It is important to warm-up properly and to use appropriate footwear.
To avoid future sprains, pay attention to the warning signs your body gives you. Slow down if you feel pain or fatigue and keep fit by maintaining good muscle balance, flexibility, mobility and strength.
In extreme cases of instability or in the early stages of returning to activity, you can use a functional brace or an orthosis.
If you need treatment for a sprained ankle, contact our physiotherapy clinics in Lisbon.
