Ankle Sprains
HOW TO Balance your ankle injury

​Ankle Sprains.... I think I sprained my ankle
​
Do you answer Yes to any of these questions please see your local physiotherapist ASAP or call (07) 5610 1933
  1. Did you hear any sounds when you hurt your ankle?
  2. Did you have any problems walking directly after you hurt your ankle?
  3. Do you still have any problems walking now? 
  4. Do you have any pain on your ankle bones or in your foot?
  5. Is there any swelling now or was there any swelling immediately after?
  6. Does your ankle feel stiff?
  7. Does your ankle feel unstable?
  8. Do you have any strange sensations? eg. numbness tingling
​Am I alone?
The answer is no!

Approximately 25,000 people sprain their ankle everyday 
About 50% of recurrent (2 or more) ankle sprains result in chronic pain or disability
There is strong evidence supporting physiotherapy led intervention in the first week after ankle sprain improves ankle function and early return to weight bearing activity such as walking.

Surgery is rarely needed, however, an improperly rehabilitated ankle may develop chronic ankle instability 
The Ankle

The most common ankle sprain is of the lateral or outside part of the ankle.

There are three lateral ligaments

Anterior Talofibular ligament (ATF) 
Calcaneofibular ligament (CF)
Posterior talofibular ligament (PTF).

These three ligaments are often injured or torn in a lateral ankle sprain.
Causes of an ankle sprain

The main cause of ankle sprains is excessive movements. These movments are usually twisting, turning, and rolling of the foot.
The risk of a sprain is greatest during activities that involve explosive side-to-side motion or sports with the ability to stand on another persons foot , such as Netball, basketball, volleyball, rugby league or union or AFL. 
Sprained ankles can also occur during normal daily activities such as stepping off a curb or slipping on ice. 
Healing Times
There is no specific time frame that sprained ankle recover. While we do know that the ligaments themselves will take at least 6 (six) weeks to heal, your muscle strength, range of motion, proprioception and return to function can vary considerably

 Grade 1
  • 2-3 weeks for ligament healing 
  • At least 6 weeks for scar tissue maturation
Grade 2
  • 4-6 weeks for ligament healing 
  • At least 8 weeks for scar tissue maturation and
  • Full range of motion and strength
  • Full proprioception, power and agility
  • Full return to sport-specific drills
Grade 3
  • Takes 6 to 12 weeks,
  • At least 12 weeks for scar tissue maturation and 
  • Full range of motion and strength
  • Full proprioception, power and agility
  • Full return to sport-specific drills 

A sprained ankle increases your risk of re-injury as much as 70%, but the correct rehabilitation significantly decreases the risk
Physiotherapy Treatment of Ankle Sprains
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Injury Protection (brace/tape), Pain Relief & Control Inflammation
Regain Full Range of Motion
Strengthen your Ankle and Calf Muscles
Restore Joint Proprioception & Balance
Restore Normal Function
Speed & Agility and Sport-Specific Skills
Graduated Training and Return to Competition
Please Note
Returning to activity early may cause the ligaments to heal in a stretched position.
​This can lead to a condition known as Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI), and an increased risk of ankle sprains.