How to Manage an Acute Ankle Sprain

Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in sports and physical activities. A lateral ankle sprain occurs when the ankle rolls inwards and stretches or tears the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. It can cause significant pain, swelling, and bruising, and if not managed properly, it can lead to chronic ankle instability and other complications. Physiotherapy assessment is essential in the management of ankle sprains to help reduce pain, swelling, inflammation and provide a safe return to activities/exercise. Our physios will also be able to assess if any scans like x-ray or MRI are indicated and refer you for these accordingly.

So what are the key components in the management of an acute lateral ankle sprain?

First 72 hours after an Ankle Sprain:

1. Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE): Involves resting the ankle, applying ice to reduce inflammation, using compression to support the ankle and control swelling, and elevating the foot to reduce swelling. A physiotherapy assessment is important early on to determine the extent of damage sustained so proper management of the ankle can be undertaken.

After Physiotherapy Assessment, Ankle Sprain management includes:

2. Range of Movement Exercises: As the pain and swelling decrease, you may start range of motion exercises to restore flexibility and prevent stiffness. These exercises may include ankle circles, ankle pumps, or ankle alphabet exercises.
3. Strengthening Exercises:Strengthening exercises help to improve ankle stability and regain strength to prevent re-injury and safe return to exercise. Exercises can include calf raises and resisted ankle movements to work the peroneal and/or tibialis posterior muscles.
4. Balance Training:Balance training is an essential component of ankle rehabilitation. It helps to improve proprioception, which is the body’s awareness of joint position and movement. Proprioception is essential for maintaining balance and preventing re-injury. Physiotherapy management will include use of balance boards, wobble boards, or other equipment to challenge your balance.
5. Manual Therapy: Manual therapy techniques, such as soft tissue massage and joint mobilization, can help to reduce pain and improve joint mobility. The use of taping or bracing techniques may also be used to support the ankle and provide additional stability.
6. Functional Rehabilitation:Once you have regained sufficient strength and mobility, your physiotherapist will start functional rehabilitation. This involves exercises that mimic the activities of daily living or sports-specific movements. Functional rehabilitation helps to improve coordination and prepare you for a safe return to your normal activities.

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the management of an acute lateral ankle sprain. It involves a comprehensive approach to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation, restore mobility and strength, improve balance and coordination, and promote a safe return to normal activities. Our physios here at Instinct Health will help guide you through your ankle rehabilitation, so that a full recovery and safe return to exercise is achieved while reducing the risk of future injuries.