Lateral Ankle Injuries & Physio Geelong
What is it?
Lateral ankle sprains are common within active and sporting populations. An acute lateral ankle sprain often occur due to a sudden change of direction or twisting of the foot, particularly if these take place on uneven surfaces. This injury may also occur when a player lands on another player’s foot, resulting in a rolling motion at the ankle joint.
Whilst injury to lateral ligaments of the ankle are commonly associated with ankle sprains, a number of different tissues may also be injured, including other ligamentous structures other soft tissues (e.g. tendons, connective tissues), cartilage or bone.
The three main ligaments of the lateral ankle are:
- Anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL)
- Calcaneofibular ligament (CFL)
- Posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL)
Any of these ligaments can be damaged following a lateral ankle sprain. The severity of damage to these ligaments is classified into 3 grades.
Ligament tear grades:
Grade 1: Disruption of some collagen fibres, minimal swelling, and tenderness with little impact on function.
Grade 2: disruption of considerable proportion of collagen fibres. Moderate swelling, pain, and tenderness with decreased range of motion and ankle stability.
Grade 3: Complete disruption of collagen fibres. Significant swelling, tenderness, loss of function, marked instability.
Symptoms commonly associated with lateral ankle sprains
SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE:
- Pain with weight bearing or inability to weight bear
- Limping when walking.
- Swelling at the ankle joint.
- Bruising on the inside or outside aspect of the ankle.
- Restricted range of motion.
- Loss of strength
Contributing Factors associated with lateral ankle sprains
NON-MODIFIABLE:
- History of previous ankle sprain
- Body mass
- Gender
- Age
MODIFIABLE:
- Ankle bracing and taping
- Shoe type
- Type of sporting activity
- Environment
- Surface
- Fatigue
- Muscle strength
- Muscle- reaction time
- Postural stability
- Ankle range of motion
- Ankle joint laxity
Considerations in the management of lateral ankle sprains
SHORT TERM
TAPING
May provide short term pain relief during aggravating activities such as running or sport.
LOAD MANAGEMENT
A reduction in training loads to allow damaged tissues to recover and settle the inflammatory process.
SOFT TISSUE TECHNIQUES
These modalities can assist with soreness, range of motion, and adverse effects of limping
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY MEDICATIONS
Anti-inflammatories can aid recovery and settle the inflammatory process. Always consult your GP or pharmacist before taking any medication.
Generally, it is recommended the consumption of anti-inflammatory medication should be avoided within the first 48-72 hours of an acute lateral ankle sprain.
LONG TERM
Following a lateral ankle sprain, consistent physiotherapy and strengthening and conditioning is encouraged. By completing specific and tailored exercises over a prolonged period of time, the risk of recurrence after ankle sprain is significantly minimised.
RESISTANCE/PLYOMETRIC TRAINING
Strength and plyometric training should be conducted to improve long term outcomes. In particular, calves, quadriceps and gluteals should be considered.
MOBILITY EXERCISES
Targeted at improving the range of motion of your ankle joint
GAIT / MOVEMENT RETRAINING
Optimise loading patterns through the ankle, knee and hip joints.
ONGOING TRAINING LOAD MANAGEMENT
Training volume should be monitored and tailored for individuals to mitigate risk of re-injury or ongoing symptom exacerbation due to overload.
SUMMARY
Ankle sprains are extremely common in a variety of sports. Physiotherapy and strength and conditioning coach input is essential to both preventing and recovering from a lateral ankle sprain.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us on (03) 5229 3911, email us at info@theinjuryclinic.com.au or book an appointment to see one of our Physiotherapists in Geelong.
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