Ankle Ligament Sprain

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ankle sprains and strains injuries

Ankle ligament sprains and strains are common injuries that occur when the ligaments surrounding the ankle joint are stretched or torn. These injuries can result from activities such as sports, physical exercise, or accidents. Ankle ligament sprains/strains can cause pain, swelling, instability, and limited mobility. Physiotherapy plays a vital role in the treatment and rehabilitation of ankle ligament injuries. This article provides an overview of ankle ligament sprains/strains, discusses common treatment methods, and highlights the significance of physiotherapy in the recovery process.

Understanding Ankle Ligament Sprains/Strains

Ankle ligament sprains and strains typically involve the following ligaments:

  1. Lateral Ligament Sprains: These occur when the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle, including the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), and posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL), are injured. Lateral ligament sprains are the most common type of ankle sprains.
  2. Medial Ligament Sprains: These involve the deltoid ligament on the inner side of the ankle. Medial ligament sprains are less common but can occur in conjunction with other ankle injuries.

Physiotherapy Treatment Methods for Ankle Ligament Sprains/Strains

  1. Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE): Initially, the RICE protocol is often recommended to manage pain, reduce swelling, and promote healing. Physiotherapists educate individuals on the proper application of ice packs, compression bandages, and elevation techniques to control inflammation.1
  2. Range of Motion Exercises: Physiotherapists guide individuals through a series of exercises to restore normal ankle range of motion. These exercises may include ankle circles, alphabet writing with the foot, and active and passive ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion exercises.2
  3. Strengthening Exercises: Physiotherapists prescribe specific strengthening exercises to improve the strength and stability of the ankle joint and surrounding muscles. These exercises may involve resistance bands, ankle weights, and balance exercises to enhance proprioception and prevent re-injury.3
  4. Balance and Proprioception Training: Physiotherapists incorporate exercises that challenge balance and proprioception to improve joint stability and reduce the risk of future ankle sprains. These exercises may involve standing on one leg, using unstable surfaces, and dynamic movements.4
  5. Manual Therapy: Physiotherapists may employ manual therapy techniques, such as joint mobilizations, soft tissue massage, and myofascial release, to reduce pain, improve tissue extensibility, and restore normal joint mechanics.5
  6. Taping and Bracing: In some cases, physiotherapists may utilize taping or bracing techniques to provide additional support and stability to the ankle joint during the healing process. These techniques can help reduce pain and protect the ligaments from further damage.6
  7. Functional Rehabilitation: Physiotherapists design tailored exercise programs that mimic specific movements and activities required for daily life or sports participation. These functional exercises help individuals regain strength, endurance, and functional capabilities in their ankles.7
  8. Gradual Return to Activity: Once the initial healing phase is complete, physiotherapists guide individuals through a progressive return-to-activity program. This involves gradually reintroducing activities, sports-specific training, and functional drills to ensure a safe and successful return to pre-injury levels.8

Conclusion

Ankle ligament sprains and strains can be painful and disruptive, but with proper treatment and rehabilitation, individuals can recover and regain full function of their ankles. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in managing these injuries, providing pain relief, restoring range of motion, strengthening muscles, improving joint stability, and facilitating a safe return to activity. By working closely with a physiotherapist, individuals can optimize their recovery and minimize the risk of future ankle injuries.

The Physiotherapy Centre Physio team are here to help. Give us a call on 01795 435060 to make an appointment for progressive treatment and rehabilitation advice.

Bibliography:

  1. Bleakley CM, McDonough SM, MacAuley DC. The use of ice in the treatment of acute soft-tissue injury: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2004;32(1):251-261. doi:10.1177/0363546503258922
  2. Denegar CR, Miller SJ. Can chronic ankle instability be prevented? Rethinking management of lateral ankle sprains. Journal of Athletic Training. 2002;37(4):430-435.
  3. Karlsson J, Andreasson GO. The effect of external ankle support in chronic lateral ankle joint instability: An electromyographic study. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 1992;20(3):257-261. doi:10.1177/036354659202000308
  4. McGuine TA, Keene JS. The effect of a balance training program on the risk of ankle sprains in high school athletes. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2006;34(7):1103-1111. doi:10.1177/0363546505284191
  5. Powers CM, Beneck GJ, Kulig K, Landel RF, Fredericson M. Effects of a single session of posterior-to-anterior spinal mobilization and press-up exercise on pain response and lumbar spine extension in people with nonspecific low back pain. Physical Therapy. 2008;88(4):485-493. doi:10.2522/ptj.20070159
  6. van der Zwaard BC, van der Horst HE, van der Plas AA, Brink MS, van den Akker-Scheek I, Reininga IH. Comparison of ankle support provided by a semirigid brace and taping in subjects with chronic ankle instability. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine. 2013;23(5):410-416. doi:10.1097/JSM.0b013e3182932e51
  7. Wassinger CA, Myers JB, Grooms DR, et al. Effectiveness of a neuromuscular and proprioceptive training program in preventing anterior cruciate ligament injuries in female athletes: 2-year follow-up. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2013;41(4):848-856. doi:10.1177/0363546513476472
  8. Wikstrom EA, Powers ME, Tillman MD. Dynamic stabilization time after isokinetic and functional fatigue. Journal of Athletic Training. 2004;39(3):247-253.

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