One of the most common injuries is the ‘Sprained Ankle’. Often occurring when you roll out on your ankle, this is an injury to the lateral ligaments of the ankle. There are three primary ligaments that can be injured, and the severity of injury depends on whether you have simply ‘sprained or stretched’ one of the ligaments, or torn one or more of them.
It is essential that these injuries are managed properly within the first 72 hours in order to ensure a quick return to function. Depending on the severity an x-ray or scan may be necessary, but in all cases it is important to follow the RICE regime; REST, ICE, ELEVATION, COMPRESSION
Performing this acute management will ensure you keep swelling to a minimum and allow the ankle ligaments to heal in the quickest possible fashion. Physiotherapy is essential in accelerating a return to full fitness, and will often involve the use of the following treatment modalities;
- Electrotherapy
- Oedema massage
- Joint mobilisation
- Proprioceptive re-training
- Strength and conditioning training
- Taping.
If you would like more information regarding your ankle injury please complete our ‘Ask a Physio’ contact box.
