Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains are common injuries that occur when ligaments are stretched or torn. The ankle sprain< is the most common athletic injury. Nearly 85% of ankle sprains occur laterally, or on the outside of ankle joints. Sprains on the inside ligaments are less common. Many sprains occur when participating in sports, or by twisting the ankle when walking on an uneven surface. Some individuals, due to their biomechanics , are more prone to ankle sprains.

ankle sprain anatomy

The ankle joint is made up of three bones. The bones are called the tibia, fibula, and talus. These bones form a socket in which the ankle joint moves.

The tibia, fibula and talus are connected to each other by ligaments. Think of ligaments as thick rubber bands that hold bones together so that joints are stable and function properly. When an ankle is sprained, a ligament is stretched, partially torn or completely torn. Muscle and tendon structures surround the ligaments. These structures provide motion of the ankle joint for walking and running. Blood vessels, nerves and skin overlie the ligaments and tendons. The ankle joint moves the foot upward and downward. Just below the ankle joint is a ball and socket type joint that allows inward and outward motion. This is known as the subtalar joint

Ankle sprain symptoms vary depending on severity.

Often, the ankle Is tender, swollen and discoloured. The ankle can be quite painful to touch. Walking is usually hampered and may become difficult depending on the severity of the sprain.

A feeling of instability may occur, especially in severe ankle sprains when ligaments are torn.

Ankle sprains are classified by “types” and range from mild to moderate to severe.

Type I ankle sprain, the least severe, occurs when ligament fibres have been stretched or slightly torn.

Type II sprain occurs when some of these fibres or ligaments are completely torn.

Type III, the most severe, occurs when the entire ligament is torn and there is significant instability of the ankle joint.

Fractures of the ankle bone or outside the foot bone may be present. Fractures require immediate diagnosis and attention for appropriate treatment.

ankle sprain treatment in the acute phase

IF SYMPTOMS PERSISTS OR NUMBNESS/ DISCOLOURATION OF THE FOOT OCCURS CONSULT A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL IMMEDIATELY.

Bracing- Sprained ankle ligaments are at risk of rupture when inflamed. Supporting the area with an ankle brace will give the ligaments time to REST. These braces are designed to be worn under clothing and with normal footwear. On the left is the brace that our clinicians recommend. This can be worn continually in the initial phase of injury (to be taken off at night). Then once symptoms have subsided it can be worn during exercise and sporting activity to provide support to the damaged ankle ligaments. This support was worn by Andy Murray tennis star when he hurt his ankle at Wimbledon in 2008.

Video showing how to use rehab band (whole body).

Remember that virtually all ankle sprains happen at the contact phase of gait (when the foot hits the ground) due to increased biomechanical stress at this point. It is therefore vital to strengthen the ankle and control biomechanical forces

Golden rule- Don’t ignore the problem, it won’t go away!

The way we function biomechanically is predominantly controlled by genetics, its hereditary (runs in the family). The way you function is set and cannot be cured. What you can do however is control lower limb biomechanics by altering foot position during the contact phase of gait. This can be achieved by wearing a good shoe (see our shoe guide) with orthotics  (foot beds), ankle strengthening and ankle support.

1. Check your footwear

Are your running shoes worn and in need of replacing? If so change them. ankle sprains are made worse by high impact forces so a good shock absorbing shoe is a must. The lack of stability of a worn shoe will also make the chances of an ankle sprain significantly worse. For more advice on running trainers our running shoe advice page is worth reading. Read more->

Below are a selection of trainers that are ideal for athletes.

Trainers for a neutral or under pronating foot type

Trainers for over pronators

2. rectify Poor biomechanics with orthotics

The way your foot strikes the ground and the forces that are placed on it can have a direct effect on causing ankle sprain and can also delaying healing times. Check our biomechanics page for detailed information. Read more->

3. Ankle strengthening

The single best exercise to improve the strength of the muscles around the ankle is eccentric loading. This is usually done none weight bearing, however the use of a wobbleboard is an excellent way to strengthen muscles around the foot and ankle in a controlled gentle manner. Whilst our clinicians have found it a brilliant way to strengthen ankle muscles, traditionally a wobbleboard was used to help balance (proprioception). Proprioception is the nerve connection from the brain to the foot. This is usually found to be very poor in patients with a history of ankle sprain. This is often damaged/ disrupted after injury and can increase the chances of injury from re occurring It can also significantly delay recovery.

Use of a wobbleboard therefore has a dual benefit in the treatment of ankle sprains.

4. Ankle support

Usually an athlete who has damaged their ankle only needs minimal support post injury, such as the support given by a neoprene brace. However it is our view that with ankle sprains, something more substantial should be worn when partaking in sporting activity. We recommend the air cast ankle support as it allows the patient to wear normal shoes/ running trainers and it can be worn when exercising.

Ankle sprain prevention checklist summary

• Rectify Biomechanics if necessary
• Check Running shoes
• Ankle strengthening
• Ankle support
• Bracing