Physiotherapy Advice

Ankle Sprains

Approximately 100,000 Canadians sprain their ankle each year, making this one of the most common orthopaedic injuries. Ankle sprains affect the young and the old, the athlete and the sedentary person. Risks include poor balance, sports involving running, jumping, and cutting motions, and walking on uneven surfaces. Studies show that one significant risk factor is having had a previous ankle sprain: over 73% of people with previous sprains, will re-injure their ankle. Risk of re-injury is higher amongst people who have not fully restored muscle strength and balance to pre-injury levels.

Ankle sprains occur when the foot twists beyond the normal range of motion, over-stretching the ligaments around the ankle. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, joint instability, and weakness. The severity of sprains range from mild (Grade 1) to severe (Grade 3).

Mild sprains involve a simple over-stretching of the involved ligaments; ligament tearing characterizes severe sprains. Mild sprains can take less than 2 weeks to heal. Severe sprains, like broken bones, can take 6-8 weeks to heal. Full rehabilitation to high level activities like sports can take over a year.

Studies show that Physiotherapy treatment is essential to speed healing, improve recovery, and prevent re-injury. In the first 24-48 hours following injury, your physiotherapist may advise rest, ice, gentle range of motion (within the limits of pain), an ankle wrap to minimize swelling, and use of a walking aid.

Following this acute phase of treatment, your physiotherapist typically begins to work with you to reduce pain and swelling, improve range of motion, and increase flexibility and strength.

Treatments may include manual therapy, stretching and strengthening exercises, and taping. As you meet these goals, your physiotherapist may introduce new treatments geared towards improving endurance, balance, and agility, to maximize recovery and minimize the chance of re-injury.

Your Physiotherapists at Keystone Physiotherapy are highly experienced and effective in maximizing your recovery following all types of ankle sprains. We work with you to relieve your pain and to achieve your goals. Call us today and get the treatment you deserve.