of the Ankle Sprain
and Dorsale

Ankle and Dorsal Sprain

Description

• Most often results from a sprain of the ankle and a back sprain inwards.
• Occasionally, the ankle twist may be outward.
• Involves the stretching or tearing of one or more ligaments of the ankle.
• Painful and disabling injury that can become a chronic problem.

Divided into 3 levels of severity:
1st degree
- the most common and least serious, as long as they are not neglected
- the ligaments that connect the ankle bones are stretched without being torn
2nd degree
- more serious injuries
- the ankle ligaments are partially torn
3rd degree
- most severe injuries
- ankle ligament tears are more pronounced, but rarely require surgery
- can leave loose ligaments and an unstable ankle

Presentation

• Pain and swelling that begins in the injured area and may spread to the entire ankle and foot over time.
• Dry noise or tearing sensation at the time of injury
• Ecchymosis that can spread in the region
• Difficulty walking after the incident

Causes

• Excessive stress on the ankle
• Previous ankle injury
• Weak muscles
• Shoes with inadequate support
• Inadequate warm-up and stretching
• Activities involving sudden stops and changes of direction or walking/running on uneven surfaces
• Family background

Treatments

Step #1 (first 72 hours)

• Reduction of inflammation with ice (20 minutes / 2 hours), foot elevation and complementary therapies such as neurocryotherapy and kinesio taping.
• Medication (anti-inflammatory and painkillers) as needed
• Compression of the ankle with a bandage
• Crutches if needed

Step #2 (1st week)

Reduction of inflammation using ice (20 minutes / 2 hours), foot elevation and complementary therapies such as neurocryotherapy and kinesio taping.
Medication (anti-inflammatory and painkillers) as needed
Compression of the ankle with a bandage
Crutches if needed

Step #3 (2nd week or more)

• Joint manipulation and soft tissue work (Active Release Techniques and Graston)
• Rehabilitation to increase strength, ankle flexibility and balance
• Plasma platelet-rich

Provide good support to the sprained ankle and theback sprain during the practice of sports for several months following the injury (bandages, orthoses and shoes with good support)

Prognosis

1st degree return to sports activities after 2 or 3 weeks
2nd degree return to sports activities after 6 to 10 weeks of rest
3rd degree Ligaments can take more than 3 months to heal completely