Ankle Sprain

Ankle Sprains are very common injuries within the foot region. Ankle sprains occur when one of the ligaments in the region gets stretched too far or tears. A grade 1 sprain is diagnosed as a slight stretch of the ligament but it remains in tact. A grade 2 sprain is a partial tear of the ligament. A grade 3 sprain is a full tear of the ligament. Ankle sprains almost always occur when the foot rolls inwards and stretches the ligaments on the outside of ankle. This occurs because the ligaments on the inside of the ankle are much stronger than the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. The Iigaments in our ankle work to help stabilize our ankle to prevent excessive motion. When someone lands awkwardly from a step or a jump the ankle can roll inward and sprain the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. The most commonly injured ligament in the ankle is the anterior talofibular ligament followed by the calceneofibular ligament (see picture above). When these segments are injured there may be pain along the outside of the ankle as well as swelling and bruising, and a limited ability to walk. Sometimes during higher level sports the ankle can sprain in an area close to the lower shin above the ankle. This is a sprain of the area in between the tibia and fibula referred to as the syndesmosis and another ligament called the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament. When this happens it is called a high ankle sprain. Most ankle sprains will heal with physical therapy as we work on reducing pain and swelling, improving lost range of motion, and improving the strength in the muscles of the ankle and the foot to reduce the risk of another sprain. Once an ankle sprain happens it is prone to happening again. This is why physical therapy is essential in making sure you can prevent future sprains. In the case of recurrent sprains the ligaments may become stretched too far and it leads to chronic spraining and instability in the ankle. In these cases the patient may be referred for a procedure known as a Brostrom Procedure or a Lateral Ankle Reconstruction. In this procedure the ligaments that are involved are found and tightened using sutures. In general, the treatment of ankle sprains has excellent results in physical therapy and the majority of patients will return to their prior levels of function. Please see photos below for examples of how we treat ankle sprains in our clinic. If you would like to schedule an appointment please reach out to us.