Ask Us A Question

Email a general orthopedic or
sports physical therapy question
and we will answer it!

Ankle Sprain

What is an ankle sprain?

In an ankle sprain, there is damage to one or more of the ligaments caused by overstretching. Ligaments attach bone to bone, and are meant to provide stability to the joints. Ankle sprains are among the most common injuries found in athletics and recreational activities.

What causes an ankle sprain?

Ankle sprains can be medial or lateral in nature, depending on the direction the ankle rolls during injury, or can be classified as high ankle sprain. In a medial ankle sprain, an eversion (arch of foot rolling inward) mechanism causes damage to ligaments on the inside of ankle including the deltoid ligament. This type of sprain less common. In a high ankle sprain, an external rotation (toes facing out) mechanism causes damage to the tibiofemoral ligaments. In this case, pain is usually present on anterior lateral leg just above the ankle. In the most common, lateral ankle sprain, an inversion (rolling onto outside of foot) and plantar flexion (pointing toes) mechanism causes damage to the ligaments on the outside of the ankle including the ATFL (anterior talofibular ligament), CFL (calcaneofibular ligament), and/or PTFL (posterior talofibular ligament).

Lateral ankle sprains can be classified into Grades I, II, or III based upon the severity of the sprain and which structures are involved. Knowing which structures are involved is vital in establishing a treatment plan.

How is an ankle sprain treated?

In most cases, treatment of ankle sprains is conservative and highly successful. In the acute phase of rehabilitation (7 to 10 days post injury), the focus lies in reduction of pain and inflammation. Commonly, treatments consist of P.R.I.C.E.:

• Protection- small ankle stirrup brace or walking boot.
• Rest
• Ice
• Compression
• Elevation

Additionally, your physical therapist could make use of treatment techniques such as soft tissue massage, active range of motion, ultrasound, and electric stimulation.

Following the acute phase of rehab and within 5-10 days, various treatment options are utilized over a 3-4 week period of time for an optimal result. The goal during this phase is to restore full strength, stability, and ultimately function of the joint, and includes.

• Range of Motion
• Stretching of Calf Musculature
• Strengthening/Stabilization
• Gait Training
• Static and Dynamic Balance Training
• Plyometric Activity

Once conservative treatment has ended, it is important to take precautions to prevent re-injury. These include:

• Bracing/Taping
• Stretching
• Warm up prior to exercise
• Appropriate footwear for activity

What if an ankle sprain goes untreated?

If an ankle sprain goes untreated, it can lead to further injury to the joint including chronic instability. Once an ankle sprain has occurred the likelihood of re-injury is much higher, but if conservative treatment is utilized the outcome is generally quite good.