Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains are common injuries that can affect people of all ages and more common in women.

While most ankle sprains are usually minor injuries that heal with rest, sometimes the injury may be more complex and increase your risk for further injuries. The injury can involve ligament tears and potential ligament rupture which will require professional treatment. Left untreated can cause chronic pain and increase risk of further injury.

Ankle sprains and ligament ankle tears are a common injury we see at Foot Lab Podiatry in Western Sydney. Not only can we treat your initial injury and help you get back on track, but we can also advise you on the best way to prevent further injuries in the future.

What is an ankle sprain?

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligament, a tough band of tissue, holding the bone together over stretches and tears. The injury can present as mild, slight stretching of the ligament with no tear involvement, and severe, involving one or more ligaments tears, or complete rupture.

Ankle sprains are generally categorised into 3 types.

  • Grade 1: a mild sprain characterised by mild tenderness and swelling around the ankle, with slight stretching and microscopic tearing of the ligaments.
  • Grade 2: a moderate sprain involving partial tearing of the ligament, moderate tenderness and swelling, and abnormal looseness around the joint when the ankle moves in certain ways.
  • Grade 3: a severe sprain the involves a complete tearing of the ligament, significant tenderness and swelling, and substantial instability of the ankle.

How do I know if I sprained my ankle?

Ankle sprains can involve any of the following signs and symptoms:

  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Limited range of motion
  • Pain and tenderness
  • Unable to place pressure on ankle

Diagnosing an ankle sprain

At Foot Lab Podiatry, our experienced podiatrists will undertake a full history check and perform physical assessments to assist in determining the extent of the injury and provide you with the correct diagnosis. In addition, further radiological imaging may be referred to confirm diagnosis.

  • X-ray to rule out any fracture or bone involvement
  • Ultrasound to determine extent of ligament damage and soft tissue involvement
  • MRI to diagnose soft tissue, cartilage, and bone involvement and to which extent the injury is

 

Treating an ankle sprain

Depending on the grade of the ankle sprain, healing time can vary. 1-2 weeks for grade 1, 4-6 weeks for grade 2 and 8-12 weeks for grade 3.

  • RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, Ice
  • Tapping: supports and stabilises the ankle to prevent further damage
  • Strengthening rehab program to improve ankle stability and ankle range of motion
  • Ankle brace
  • Dry needling and Shockwave therapy to increase blood flow to the area and speed healing
  • Immobilisation for severe ankle sprains
  • Moonboot or crutches
  • Footwear education
  • Orthotics to provide stability, reduce risk of falls and reduce risk of re injury