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