Sprained Ankle…Again!

Ankle sprains are the most common injuries in sport and are often recurrent in nature. It is estimated that ankle sprains range from 14% to 33% of all sports-related injuries. Reinjury is incredibly common and chronic functional instability is often present.

Since ankle sprains tend to recur, steps can be taken to prevent another sprain from occurring.

The most common ankle sprain is a lateral ankle sprain, which often occurs in a sports setting where the ankle is rolled outwards. This force causes injury to the ligaments on the outside of the ankle, which can lead to excessive motion in the ankle joint. This tissue injury results in pain, swelling and joint dysfunction, which includes poor control over the ankle joint.

Once the integrity of these ligaments has been compromised, dysfunction in the ankle joint can be chronic. Ligament laxity can lead to mechanical instability, which means that the joint will not be as strong. This leads to the potential for another ankle sprain to occur, even after the pain and swelling is gone.

Therefore, it may be more important to work on prevention rather than treatment of ankle sprains.

Some techniques that may be used to prevent ankle sprains include braces or external supports, and therapeutic proprioceptive exercise.

1. Ankle Supports

The use of ankle supports or taping is very common. Recently studies have revealed that external supports were significant in reducing ankle sprains in athletes with a prior history of ankle sprains. Rigid or semi-rigid braces were more effective in preventing ankle motion than taping. However, taping was used to enhance proprioceptive function of the injured ankle.

2. Rehabilitation

Function proprioceptive rehabilitation is a vital component of acute ankle sprain treatment. Also, proprioceptive training has also been found to be effective in protecting the joint from reinjury. Early mobilization after injury has been found to be preferable to prolonged immobilization. Motion is good.

Initially, reduction of swelling, inflammation and pain is crucial. Then it is important to restore full range of motion to the ankle joint. Next, it is important to strengthen the muscles in the ankle and the calf. After that, proprioceptive exercises can be introduced to restore balance, stability and function.

Resources

Osborne, M.D. and T.D. Rizzo. Prevention and Treatment of Ankle Sprain in Athletes. 2003. Sports Medicine 33(15):1145-1150.