Ankle Sprain
An ankle sprain is certainly one of the most common injuries, with the ankle joint being the second most common body site of injury. This is especially relevant to the sporting population including athletes in Football, Soccer, Rugby, Volleyball and Gymnastics.
When we injure our ankles, not only can it be difficult to engage in sport, but also everyday activities like walking, balancing and enjoying much needed time on the beach or running around after your children.
What should I know about an ankle sprain?
An ankle sprain typically occurs when you roll your ankle out, or as Physio’s would say an Inversion Injury. The “Ankle Joint” aka Talocrural Joint is a complex structure surrounded by ligaments. On the lateral side (outer side) of an ankle, the Anterior Talofibular Ligament (ATFL) is most frequently damaged however this injury can also result in damage to the calcaneo-fibular (CFL) and Posterior Talofibular Ligaments (PTFL). On the medial side (inner side), the ankle has a strong Deltoid ligament complex which may be injured with Eversion Ankle Sprains.
What do I do if I have injured my ankle?
REST, ICE, COMPRESS, ELEVATE + Call your Physio.
When the ankle is experiencing dysfunction or pain, our bodies try to adapt which can cause a chain reaction to the above joints such as out knee, hip, back and opposite leg. This one reason why Physio is important; our aim is to help with your injury, prevent new injuries and reduce your risk of re-injury.
How will my Physio Help?
We will assess your ankle to determine the cause of pain and/or dysfunction. We will look at range of motion, strength, balance and flexibility to determine the best course of treatment. This will help develop a rehabilitation program designed specifically for you, your sport and your lifestyle to assist in making a full recovery.
For now, our quick tips to reduce your risk of ankle injuries are:
- Always complete a warm up prior to any activity.
- Condition your ankles! Balance and Strength Training are key.
- Choose good supportive footwear.
- See your Physio!
Remember, if you’re experiencing difficulties with your ankle movement, and you’d like expert advice to help, our friendly staff are here to help. Just give us a call wherever you are on your ankle rehabilitation journey
Ferry Rd Physio