Ankle Sprain

Ankle sprain is an injury to the ligament or ligaments of the ankle. It is common at any age. Ankle sprains vary from mild to severe depending on which ligament or ligaments are involved and injured. Depends if the ligament is fully or partially torn or stretched. The ligaments role is for stability of the ankle and limit inversion and eversion (role in or role out of the ankle). Ankle ligament injury is classified as grade 1 mild, grade 2 moderate, grade 3 severe.

If the ankle is not treated properly re injury is quite likely. With re occurrence of ankle sprains they become chronic which leads to instability, chronic pain, arthritis. Literature states up to 40% develop chronic instability.

Cause:
Rolling your ankle in sport, stepping incorrectly off a curb or in a pothole, traumatically induced.

Symptoms:
Pain, swelling, bruising, tender to walk, weakness of the ankle.

Diagnosis:

• Xray, MRI, U/S,

• Examination by a Podiatrist, ER Physician, GP Stress inversion, Anterior draw sign

• Balance test

Treatment:

• RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation)

• Cast weight bearing

• Crutches, cane

• Ankle brace

• Shoes

• Orthotics

• Exercises- balance, range of motion, proprioception Physiotherapy

• Surgery