Ankle Instability and Sprains
What is it?
Ankle sprains are particularly common, specifically lateral ankle sprains which occurs when you roll the sole of your foot in and lateral ankle outwards. They may seem minor but if left untreated they can lead to chronic ankle instability and pain.
What is the cause?
The most commonly strain ligament in the ankle is the Anterior Talo-Fibular Ligament (ATFL). The function of the ATFL is to resist inversion and plantar flexion (inwards and downwards movement) of the ankle joint. Injury to the ATFL usually occurs when the athlete's center of gravity is shifted over the lateral border of the weight-bearing leg, causing the ankle to roll inward at a high velocity. The ATFL is the weakest of the lateral collateral ligaments and therefore the first to be injured.
Signs & Symptoms
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Pain in the ankle region.
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Signs of excessive inflammation which can include redness, swelling, heat, itching and bruising.
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Inability to bear weight on the ankle.
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Stiffness.
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Loss of strength.
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Feeling unsteady on the ankle.
What can we do about it?
Education and early loading is very important to help the ligament remodel and repair. Our therapists at Sports and Spine physiotherapy will carry out various tests to decipher if you require an x-ray. We can refer directly for x-ray and MRI if deemed necessary. The diagnostic tests are very important in our clinical decision making and being able to diagnose the ligaments injured and to what degree. Taping can be very useful to help stabilise and manage pain around the ankle in the acute phase. A rehabilitation programme will be given and important to regain the mobility, strength and stability of your ankle.