Overview
An ankle sprain is a common injury that occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle stretch or tear, usually due to a sudden twist or roll of the ankle. This injury is frequent in sports, but it can also happen during everyday activities. Ankle sprains vary in severity, from mild (overstretched ligaments) to severe (complete ligament tears).
Symptoms
- Pain, especially when bearing weight on the affected foot
- Swelling around the ankle joint
- Bruising or discoloration of the skin
- Limited range of motion
- Instability in the ankle, feeling like it might “give out”
Causes
- Inversion Injury: Rolling the ankle inward is the most common cause.
- Sports: Activities involving jumping, running, or quick directional changes.
- Uneven Surfaces: Walking or running on uneven ground can lead to a misstep.
- Previous Ankle Injuries: A history of ankle sprains can weaken the joint, making it more susceptible to future injuries.
Medical Treatments
Initial Care
- Rest: Avoid activities that cause pain or discomfort.
- Ice: Apply ice packs to reduce swelling and numb the pain.
- Compression: Use an elastic bandage to control swelling.
- Elevation: Keep the injured ankle raised above heart level to minimize swelling.
Medication
- NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation.
Advanced Care
- Bracing or Splinting: To immobilize the ankle and promote healing in more severe cases.
- Physical Therapy: For more severe sprains, therapy may be needed to restore strength and stability.
- Surgery: Rarely required, but may be considered if the ligament is completely torn or if there is recurrent instability.
Role of Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the recovery process, helping to restore function, prevent future sprains, and address any lingering issues from the injury.
- Strengthening Exercises: Focus on the muscles surrounding the ankle, particularly the peroneals, to support and stabilize the joint.
- Balance and Proprioception Training: Exercises that improve balance and proprioception (awareness of joint position) are vital in preventing re-injury.
- Manual Therapy: Techniques to reduce stiffness, improve range of motion, and address any muscle tightness.
- Mobility and Flexibility Exercises: Stretching the Achilles tendon and calf muscles to regain full ankle mobility.
- Dry Needling and Acupuncture: These techniques can be used to alleviate pain, reduce muscle tightness, and promote healing.
- Laser Therapy: Low-level laser therapy can help reduce inflammation and accelerate tissue repair.
- Activity Modification and Return-to-Sport Guidance: Gradually reintroducing activities, with advice on safely returning to sports or other physical activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do immediately after spraining my ankle?
Follow the RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation to manage pain and swelling. Avoid putting weight on the injured ankle initially.
How can I tell if my ankle sprain is severe?
If you cannot bear weight on the ankle, have significant swelling, or notice bruising and instability, it may be a more severe sprain requiring medical attention.
How long does it take to recover from an ankle sprain?
Mild sprains may heal in a few weeks, while more severe sprains can take several weeks to months, depending on the extent of the injury and adherence to rehabilitation.
Can I prevent ankle sprains in the future?
Strengthening the muscles around the ankle, improving balance, wearing proper footwear, and avoiding uneven surfaces can help prevent future sprains.
When should I see a doctor for an ankle sprain?
If the pain and swelling are severe, if you cannot walk or bear weight on the ankle, or if there is no improvement after a few days of self-care, it’s important to see a healthcare provider.
Do I need physiotherapy for a mild ankle sprain?
While mild sprains can often heal with self-care, physiotherapy can help ensure a complete recovery and reduce the risk of future sprains by improving strength and balance.
Is surgery ever necessary for an ankle sprain?
Surgery is rare but may be considered if there is a complete ligament tear or chronic ankle instability that does not improve with conservative treatment.
How soon can I return to sports after an ankle sprain?
Return to sports depends on the severity of the sprain and your progress in rehabilitation. It’s important to regain full strength, balance, and range of motion before returning to sports to avoid re-injury.
References
1. Ruiz-Sánchez, F. J., Ruiz-Muñoz, M., Martín-Martín, J., Coheña-Jimenez, M., Perez-Belloso, A. J., Romero-Galisteo, R. P., & Gónzalez-Sánchez, M. (2022). Management and treatment of ankle sprain according to clinical practice guidelines: A PRISMA systematic review. Medicine, 101(42), e31087.
2. Wagemans, J., Bleakley, C., Taeymans, J., Schurz, A. P., Kuppens, K., Baur, H., & Vissers, D. (2022). Exercise-based rehabilitation reduces reinjury following acute lateral ankle sprain: A systematic review update with meta-analysis. PloS one, 17(2), e0262023.
3. Wang, F., Guan, Y., Bamber, Z., Cao, X., Qi, Q., Niu, W., & Chen, B. (2023). Preventive interventions for lateral ankle sprains: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Rehabilitation, 37(5), 585-602.
4. Alayat, M. S., Takaroni, A., Elsodany, A. M., AlMatrafi, N. A., Subahi, M. S., & Battecha, K. H. (2024). Effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy in the treatment of patients with an ankle sprain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lasers in Medical Science, 39(1), 1-13.
5. Liu, A. F., Gong, S. W., Chen, J. X., & Zhai, J. B. (2020). Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture Therapy for Patients with Acute Ankle Sprain: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Evidence‐Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020(1), 9109531.
