Ankle Sprain
Causes
- Excessive ankle stress
- Pre-ankle injury
- Muscles weak
- Footwear with inadequate support
- Inadequate heating and stretching
- Activities involving stops and changes in abrupt directions or walking / running on irregular surfaces
- Family history
Treatments
Step # 1 (first 72 hours)
- Decreased inflammation with ice (20 minutes / 2 hours), elevation of the foot and complementary therapies such as neurocryotherapy and kinesio taping.
- Medications (anti-inflammatory and pain relief) as needed
- Compression of the ankle using a bandage
- Crutches as required
Step # 2 (1st week)
- Decreased inflammation (idem)
- Walk normally as soon as pain is no longer present
- Supporting the ankle with a bandage or an orthopedic device
- Articular manipulations and soft tissue work (Active Release Techniques and Graston) to correct ankle biomechanics and reduce scar tissue
- Mobility Exercises
- Medications (anti-inflammatory and pain relief) as needed
Step # 3 (2nd week or more)
- Joint and soft tissue manipulation (Active Release Techniques and Graston)
- Rehabilitation to increase strength, ankle flexibility and balance
- Plasma-rich plasma
Provide good support to the ankle during sports practice for several months after the injury (bandage, orthotics and shoes with good support)
Prognostic
1st degree : return to sport activities after 2 or 3 weeks
2nd degree : return to sports activities after 6 to 10 weeks off
3rd degree : the ligaments can take more than 3 months to heal completely