Sprained Ankles

Sprained Ankles

Sprained ankles can be very painful and often happen when ligaments are overstretched. Ankle sprains vary in their severity from a mild sprain such as ‘twisted or rolled ankle’ to serve resulting complete ligament ruptures, fractures or broken bones. If left untreated, you can be prone to other ankle injuries or a continuous reoccurrence in ankle sprains. 

What are the main causes?

Ankle sprains occur when the soft tissue and ligaments of the ankle become damaged or torn due to over stretching of ligaments. Ankle sprains are categorised into three grades:

• Grade 1: only a few ligament fibers are torn
• Grade 2: greater damage to the fibers
• Grade 3: Complete tear of the ligament, which usually requires a surgical procedure.

Sprained ankles can be caused by:

• Ankle instability
• Repetitive overuse injury
• An awkward movement e.g. landing on an uneven surface, causing the ankle to roll inwards or outwards

What are the symptoms of a Sprained Ankle?

• Pervious history of ankle rolling
• Minor pain and reduction in movement of the ankle
• Immediate pain, swelling, bruising hours later, tender to touch, reduction in movement, may hear a ‘popping or cracking’ sound
• Severe swelling and pain unable to weight bare, loss of ankle movement
• Sharp pain deep in the ankle joint

How is a sprained ankle diagnosed?

The Sports Therapist will perform an examination on the ankle joint to determine whether the ligaments have been sprained. They will also determine which ligaments have been sprained, and the severity of the sprain, any broken bones or fractures will also be ruled out.  In more severe cases an MRI scan will be required to see the extent of the damage and whether other structures have been damaged.

How can we help?

It is important to ensure that treatment is delivered as soon as possible after the injury has occurred. This will allow the best recovery and help prevent the injury from reoccurring once the ligaments and surrounding structures have healed.
Our Sports therapy services offer:

• Ice therapy
• Soft tissue massage therapy
• Ankle joint mobilisations
• Stretching and strengthening exercises
• Balance exercises
• Aftercare advice

Sports therapy treatment can be very beneficial to those suffering from ankle sprains as it can help you to return to your original fitness levels in the quickest time possible. Here at Complete Chiropractic, our main aims are to:

• Reduce swelling and pain
• Regain and improve ankle range of movement
• Improve strength
• Speed up recovery time