Ankle injuries are one of the most common sporting injuries. The data indicates that ankle injuries hold the number 1 spot amongst 24 sports. Furthermore, in sports such as volleyball, ankle injuries account for 50 percent of all injuries combined. The most common ankle injury is a sprain to the lateral aspect of the ankle ligaments. In other words, this is when the ankle rolls inwards which excessively stresses the ligaments located on the outside of the ankle.
So how can a physio help?
Our physiotherapists will take a thorough history. This allows us to differentiate between a sprain and a more sinister injury such as a fracture. Immediately after the injury, if the patient is able to weight-bear and there is an increase in pain and swelling as activity is continued, a ligament injury is the most likely diagnosis as opposed to a fracture. Also, the mechanism of the injury is also an important clue to determining this.
After taking the history, our physiotherapists will perform an in-depth physical examination. This helps to assess how unstable the ankle is post-injury. Reduced ankle function such as reduced range of motion (ankle movement) and strength and also aids in detecting any further injuries such as fractures to the bones or injuries to tendons. The physical examination may involve:
Assessing the patient in standing and supine positions.
Assessing the patient's ankle mobility, strength.
Performing functional tests such as hopping, squatting, lunging, pivoting etc.
Palpation of the joints, tendons and ligaments to assess structural stability and pain.
The next step after this is getting you fixed!
Our physiotherapists will provide comprehensive guidance to the initial management of your ankle with regards to whether it needs be iced, need for any analgesics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication and any other strategies.
Our physiotherapists perform specialised techniques on the ankle musculature and joints to reduce and eliminate pain and swelling, as well as increasing the ankle mobility.
The next stage of recovery is strengthening. Strengthening exercises will be progressed slowly to not aggravate the ankle injury. Strengthening exercises not only rehabilitates the current injury but also prevent future injuries. Weight bearing exercises such as standing on a wobble board are also introduced. During this stage, balance/stability exercises are also prescribed. This challenges the ankles ability to withstand unstable forces and strengthens the associated muscles, tendons and ligaments.
The next and final stage is the plyometric/return to function pathway. This involves functional exercises such as jumping, hoping, running and task-specific movements in order to return you to doing what you love!
Sounds extensive and complicated? Not a worry! Our physiotherapists will guide you completely from the start to the end of the journey.
This is just a general guide of what can be done for an ankle sprain. Every ankle and person is different so for more personalised information and advice, please call (02) 9870 0250 and one of our physiotherapists will be happy to provide a complementary phone consultation.
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