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Ankle sprains are a common injury that can occur during physical activity or even just through a misstep. It is important to properly assess and manage these injuries to ensure a full recovery and prevent further complications. At Logan Physio we utilise our Gold Standard of Care, in which we incorporate best practice for all injuries and conditions. Here we will discuss the assessment and management of ankle sprains.
Assessment of ankle sprains is essential to determine the severity of the injury and plan appropriate treatment for ankle sprain care and management. The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) can be used to assess the patient’s functional status, these are patient reported outcome measures which look at an individual’s self-report of their ability to do various activities. This is done at the initial assessment and at different points along a recovery pathway to determine progress.
As there are many different structures that could be injured around the ankle it is important to differentiate between lateral, medial, and syndesmotic (high ankle sprain) injuries. Additionally, it is crucial not to miss a fracture, so following the Ottawa ankle rules is imperative.
An ankle X-ray is only necessary if there is pain in the malleolar zone and specific bone tenderness or an inability to bear weight. A foot X-ray series may be needed if there is pain in the midfoot zone and similar criteria are met.
High ankle sprains can be missed if not properly assessed, so tests like the squeeze test, Kleiger’s test, and Cotton test can help diagnose these injuries, and investigations such as an MRI which is considered the best if this type of injury is suspected. These injuries take longer to heal and may require longer immobilisation and possibly even surgery.
The most common types of ankle sprains involve the ATFL, CFL, PTFL, and deltoid ligament complex. Grading ankle sprains as I, II, or III can help guide treatment plans. Mild sprains may require only functional support, while moderate sprains may need immobilization and therapy. Severe sprains may require surgery and a longer recovery period.
Management of ankle sprains involves a phased approach to rehabilitation. Phase 1 focuses on regaining range of motion, reducing pain, and mobilizing without walking aids. Manual therapy, education, and exercises are essential during this phase. Phase 2 involves active rehabilitation sessions focusing on strength, mobility, and balance. Phase 3 focuses on fitness and injury prevention to ensure a full recovery and ideally this should occur for 3 months for optimal results.
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Talk to Our Physiotherapy Team About Ankle Sprain Care
Seek advice on Ankle sprain care at Logan Physio for a full recovery. Our expert team is dedicated to providing the best care for ankle injuries. Here are signs you should visit us:
- Severe pain and swelling that doesn’t improve with basic care.
- Difficulty walking or putting weight on your foot.
- Recurring sprains or feelings of instability.
- Limited movement in your ankle after several days.
- Numbness or tingling, which may indicate nerve involvement.
- Slow recovery, where symptoms persist for more than a week.
Our Logan-based physios are highly skilled in diagnosing and treating ankle sprains. We focus on personalised treatment plans to restore your mobility, strength, and confidence. Don’t let an ankle injury slow you down – trust our team to get you back on track.
A Message from Our Team…
Ankle sprains should be properly assessed and managed to promote a full recovery and prevent future injuries. By following the gold standard of care for ankle sprains, healthcare providers can effectively treat these common injuries and help patients return to their normal activities.
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