Sprained Ankle

Bad sprains may cause damage to the calcanao-fibula ligament which is further back towards the back of the heel. Damage may also be done to tendons, bone and other joint tissues.

There are 3 categories of sprained ankle depending on severity.

First degree ankle sprain :

• Some stretching or perhaps tearing of the lateral ankle ligaments.
• Little or no joint instability.
• Mild pain
• Little or no ankle swelling
• Some joint stiffness or difficulty walking or running.

Second degree ankle sprain:

• Some tearing of the ligament fibres.
• Moderate instability of the joint.
• Moderate to severe pain and difficulty walking.
• Ankle swelling and stiffness in the ankle joint.

Third degree:

• Total rupture of a ligament.
• Gross instability of the joint.
• Severe pain initially followed by no pain
• Severe ankle swelling

Treatment of a sprained ankle.

This can be separated into immediate first aid and longer term rehab and strengthening.

Immediate First Aid for Ankle Sprains:

Aim to reduce the swelling by DR .ICE. (Diagnosis Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) as soon as possible. Getting the diagnosis right from the start is important.

• D is for diagnosis. Diagnosis is paramount at the initial stages Different problems need to be treated differently i.e. an avulsion sprain (where a bone fragment is pulled away from the bone).
  
• R is for rest. It is important to rest the injury to reduce pain and prevent further damage. If you need crutches then use them! People with crutches get more sympathy! Many therapists advocate partial weight bearing as soon as pain will allow. This is thought to accelerate rehabilitation.
  
• I is for ICE or cold therapy. Applying ice and compression can ease the pain, reduce ankle swelling, reduce bleeding (initially) and encourage blood flow (when used later).
  
• C is for compression - This reduces bleeding and helps reduce ankle swelling.
  
• E is for Elevation - Allowing fluids to flow away from the site of injury.

The athlete can also aid treatment by:

• Protecting the injured ankle by taping or by using a support support. These can also be used during the rehabilitation phase to protect the joint and give proprioceptive feedback to the ankle without risking further injury. When partial weight bearing an ankle support or taping method can protect the lateral ligaments (allowing them to rest) while ensuring forwards and backwards motion is allowed keeping the rest of the joint healthy.

Visiting a sports specialist.

• They will make an accurate diagnosis so time is not wasted treating the wrong condition.
• Anti inflammatory medication may be prescribed to help with pain and swelling.
• Ultrasound
• Laser treatment
• Cross friction massage.
• Implement an ankle rehabilitation programme.

Useful Products:

• Cold Therapy - can help to ease pain, reduce swelling and bleeding, and encourage blood flow (when used later).
• Ankle Braces - help to protect and stabilize the ankle, reducing the risk of further injury
• Zinc Oxide Tape - tape can be used as an alternative to an ankle brace, to support and protect the ankle.

Please see the Virtual Sports Injury Clinic for more information on how to treat a Sprained Ankle and more ankle injuries.