A Guide on Ankle Sprain Injuries
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2013
Over 10% to 30% of patients are affected by chronic ankle instability after a ankle sprain
Soccer and Rugby are the sports most commonly associated with Ankle Fractures.
Figure 1: The ankle joint consists of the tibiofibular, talocrural, and subtalar joints surrounded by ligaments to provide stability.
Ankle sprains occur when there is a strain and injury of ligaments and supporting structures of the ankle joint.
The ligaments on the outside of the ankle are the most commonly injured. You may find that this is true for yourself from your sporting injuries. This is because the ligaments on the inside of the ankle are much thicker and stronger.
On the inside of the ankle, there lies the deltoid ligament which has a fan-like shape, providing extra strong support. When you feel the outside of your ankle, you may notice a bony prominence. This is known as the lateral malleolus. Three of the major ligaments that lie on the outside of your ankle attach to this, and are the common ligaments injured in an ankle sprain. (ATFL, CFL, and PTFL)
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Lateral (Outside) ankle sprain occurs when the foot rolls inwards, causing a strain on the ligaments that help prevent the movement. This can occur when you walk or run over uneven surfaces such as potholes, trails, or grass. Sporting movements which cause a rapid change in movement such as changing directions and landing from a jump can also cause these lateral ankle injuries.
Injuries that occur in the (Inside) Medial aspect of the ankle are not as common due to the stronger ligaments in the inside but can occur when the foot (toes) are rolled outwards.
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After an Ankle sprain injury, you will often find yourself in pain with swelling over the injured ligaments of your ankle. You may also find with difficulty walking. This occurs because of a protective mechanism by the body to prevent further injury of the ankle. The injured ligaments send a message to the brain causing a disruption in muscle activation, reducing further wear on the injured ligaments, making it hard for you to weight bear.
It is vital that you seek a medical professional such as a physiotherapist who can help with further screening and diagnosis to help rehabilitate the injured ankle. Over the course of rehabilitation, re-assessments will be done to ensure your joint has regained stability for you to return to your physical activity. An X-ray may also be done to ensure no fractures are present.
The RICE principle is a simple self-care technique which is commonly used to help reduce swelling, pain and can help speed up healing.
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The Ankle Therapy Brace is designed to assist and support ankle sprain management. Designed with an elastic strap, the brace offers a personalised fit to ensure stability on both sides of the ankle. For sporting use, our Compression sleeve is designed to give you mild support during exercise. Click here to find out more about the Therapy Brace and Compression sleeve.
Disclaimer: This article serves as a general guide you must always consult a medical professional regarding treatment for all injuries and pain.
