The sprained ankle is the most common type of athletic injury with research suggesting that ankle sprains account for 15-30% of all sports injuries, it is also the most frequently re-injured. Ankle sprains can also occur during every day activities.

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A thorough subjective and objective examination from a physiotherapist is usually suficient to diagnose a sprained ankle. It is important to rule out the possibility of a fracture and then the severity of the sprain may be graded:

Grade 1 Ankle Sprain

Slight stretching and some damage to the fibres of the ligament.

Grade 2 Ankle Sprain

Partial tearing of the ligament. If the ankle joint is examined and moved in certain ways, abnormal laxity of the ankle joint occurs.

Grade 3 Ankle Sprain

Complete tear of the ligament. Gross instability occurs.

Ankle Sprain Complications

In addition to the ligament damage in ankle sprains, there may also be associated damage to tendons, the joint capsules, the bones, the cartilage, the nerves or other soft tissues. A severely sprained ankle may result in complete or almost complete rupture of the ligaments and may be associated with dislocations and fractures of the ankle bones including avulsion fracture and/or osteochondral lesions.

It is important to establish the severity of the ankle sprain as this will indicate a time frame for return to sport or normal activity. Based on the diagnosis the physiotherapist will establish a treatment and rehabilitation plan.

Treatment for Ankle Sprains

Treatment may comprise some of the following:

• Advice regarding RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
• Soft tissue massage
• Joint mobilisation
• Electrical therapy
• Range of motion (ROM) exercises
• Strength training
• Gait training
• Balance/Proprioceptive training
• Taping
• Activity modification advice
• Return to activity program

Without proper treatment for an ankle sprain there can be long-term negative effects such as chronic instability, decreased range of motion and pain. Studies show that up to 80% of people who sprain an ankle will re-sprain it and this is normally due to inadequate rehabilitation.

Appropriate physiotherapy intervention and rehabilitation is essential to help reduce pain, increase range of motion as well as minimise the risk of future recurrent sprains.