This is one of the most common soft tissue injuries.In fact, it is the most common sports injury treated in outpatient clinics.
However, it is important to note that it is by no means associated only with sports activity. For example, in colder climates, many people suffer ankle sprains walking on icy or snowy surfaces or while clearing snow from their homes.
Sprains can involve either the inner or outer ligaments. A medial sprain involves damage to the ligaments on the inside of the joint (nearer to the centre of the body). This is normally the result of the ankle rolling outwards – an event known as eversion.
Most sprains involve ligaments on the outside of the joint (lateral sprains). These occur when the ankle is rolled inwards – an event known as inversion. This can happen when the patient stumbles and the supporting foot is twisted and, usually, inverted. Examples for this occurrence include a woman slipping in high-heeled shoes or a cross-country runner twisting his ankle when putting his foot on rutted ground. See the diagram above for an illustration of ankle inversion.
A special subcategory of sprains includes those involving ligaments above the ankle itself. This is normally the result of a combination of the foot being turned out and everted at the same time. This type of sprain is known as a high ankle sprain and typically occurs among athletes, especially those in contact sports like hockey.
In many cases, high ankle sprains are accompanied by a broken bone in the joint.
As with most soft tissue injuries, ankle sprains can also be classified according to their severity:
A sprained ankle is always swollen. If the affected ligament is partially torn, then the bruising is slight and usually appears 1-2 days after the injury. Only a limited degree of passive inversion of the ankle is possible. With a completely torn ligament, the bruising is severe and appears at the time of the injury. Further, excessive passive inversion of the ankle is possible
Typical events that can give rise to an ankle sprain include:
In some cases, an individual who has suffered a sprain in the past is more likely to experience one again. So, the above situations are even more likely to cause a sprain for such an individual. Wearing shoes that don’t provide proper support or that make it more likely to “roll” the ankle will also predispose someone to an ankle sprain.
An injury of this type should be handled carefully to ensure that the patient recovers fully before restarting regular activities. Otherwise, the ankle ligaments could be permanently weakened, leading to long term ankle instability or even ankle arthritis.
Typical symptoms of this injury include:
Individuals experiencing some or all of these symptoms should seek medical advice, preferably from someone with a sports medicine background.
In most cases, an ankle sprain can be treated at home using conservative R.I.C.E. procedures, as follows:
The use of painkillers like NSAIDs (Ibuprofen or Naproxen) and Paracetamol may be necessary.
Surgery for an ankle sprain is only rarely required. It may be performed when the damage to the ligaments is severe (as is the case with a grade III sprain) and there is evidence of instability, or the injury fails to respond to non-surgical treatment.
Mild sprains take a week to 10 days to heal, while more severe sprains may require several weeks. As the ankle heals, the doctor may order enrolment in a physical therapy program. This will include ankle strengthening exercises designed to prepare the patient for a return to normal activity.
To reduce the risk of suffering an ankle sprain, individuals can take the following precautions:
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The Mueller Sports Medicine Adjustable Ankle Stabilizer features a convenient step-in design for convenient application, a seamless air-mesh sole for superior comfort and firm plastic stays for reliable ankle support. Replaces the MU44547 Adjustable Ankle Stabilizer.
Mueller’s Adjustable Ankle Support boasts a patented strapping system that uses criss-cross tension straps. Seamless edges produce a comfort oriented design with minimal bunching. One Size.
AFTR Ankle and Foot Trauma Rehabilitation
The Bio Skin AFTR provides compression and stabilization following ankle sprains, other ankle injuries, and foot or ankle surgeries. The AFTR is made from material which is thin and breathable and contours perfectly to the anatomy of the ankle, providing excellent compression to remove swelling, decrease pain, and speed recovery.
AFTR Ankle and Foot Trauma Rehabilitation
The Bio Skin AFTR with Gel provides support and stabilization for the non-operative and post-operative treatment of many foot and ankle pathologies. Brace includes medial and lateral plastic stays as well as figure-8 stirrup straps to limit movement in the ankle and hindfoot. The AFTR is made from Bio Skin material so it contours to the anatomy during normal volume changes following injuries and surgery. Bio Skin is hypo-allergenic, breathable, and thin.
AFTR Ankle and Foot Trauma Rehabilitation
The Bio Skin AFTR DC (dorsal closure) provides support and stabilization for the non-operative and post-operative treatment of many foot and ankle pathologies. Brace includes medial and lateral plastic stays as well as figure-8 stirrup straps to limit movement in the ankle and hindfoot. The AFTR DC is made from Bio Skin material so it contours to the anatomy during normal volume changes following injuries and surgery. Bio Skin is hypo-allergenic, breathable, and thin
The Darco Air Traveler™ walker boot features a circumferential air bladder, an inflation/deflation system and a five way strapping system that offers the ideal balance between comfort and support. The low profile sole permits the patient to maintain a normal stride pattern while wearing the boot.
The McDavid Ankle Brace / Lace Up With Stays has spring steel medical stays for solid support and is built of highly breathable two-layer polyester/vinyl mesh. The ventilated tongues makes this brace highly breathable, as do its highly breathable lining and reinforced eyelets.
Level 3: Maximum Protection – Helping to prevent and/or recover from common ankle sprains
The McDavid Ankle Brace With Straps helps to prevent and/or recover from common ankle sprains. It is constructed of single-layer polyester fabric for full support and minimal weight.
Level 3: Maximum Protection – Helping to prevent and/or recover from common ankle sprains
The McDavid Ankle Sleeve / 4-Way Elastic With Gel Buttresses provides support and relief from pain, swelling and inflammation due to tendonitis, arthritis or injury.
Level 2: Advanced Protection – Support and relief from pain, swelling and inflammation due to tendonitis, arthritis or injury
The Ankle Stretching Aid will help athletes keep their foot and ankle soft tissues warm and supple and avoid the risk of serious injuries.
The LP Ankle Support supports weak ankles, prevents ligament sprains and relieves pain from tendonitis. You can add a simple strap to enhance the adjustability or stability of the brace. It is is an ideal choice for those with a history of neoprene or latex allergies.
The LP Ankle Support With Straps will provide support and compression to your weak, unstable or injured ankle joint. It also helps to reduce swelling and/or stiffness after receiving an injury. The Velcro secured open toe and heel design allows unrestricted range of motion and the adjustable straps permit a comfortable fit. This brace is an excellent choice for those requiring moderate support for a weak or unstable ankle or treatment for a mild ankle sprain.
The ankle straps of the Mueller Sports Medicine ATF 2 Ankle Brace self-adjust to support your Anterior Talofibular Ligament and help protect against ‘rolling the ankle’ without restricting jumping, speed or agility. The ATF® 2 straps are lightweight and comfortable and help support weakened or sprained ankles. Now replaced by the ATF 3 Ankle Brace.
The Mueller Sports Medicine ATF3 Ankle Brace is an easy on/off ankle support with a patented internal strapping system that will self adjust to support your Anterior Taliofibular Ligament and help to prevent you rolling your ankle. It replaces the XLP and ATF 2 ankle supports.
Fine line treatment for posterior tibial tendonitis and peroneal tendonitis. Customizable varus/valgus heel disks and arch height. Designed by a board of certified foot and ankle specialists. Viable alternative to expensive custom ankle braces.
Enjoy firm yet comfortable support for stiff, weak or sore ankles wearing the Mueller Sports Medicine Elastic Ankle Support. Fits either ankle.
