It is an injury that occurs when one twists, bends or rolls their ankle joint in a way that injures the soft tissues. It causes pain due to overstretching the ligaments of the ankle. Ligaments are strong and fibrous tissues that connect a bone to bone. They are on either sides of the ankle and support the ankle joint by allowing it to stretch within certain limits that won’t injure the muscles. A ligament strain occurs when it’s forced beyond its normal range of motion.
Signs and symptoms
Pain at the site of the sprain
Swelling
Tender on touch.
Ankle instability (ankle feels like it will ‘give way’)
Redness
Warmth/heat when you touch.
Restricted range of motion
Bruising
Popping sound at the time of the injury
Causes
Tripping and twisting at the ankle. This is common in sports that require jumping and sprinting such as basketball. Exercising or running on uneven surfaces poses a high risk.
Diagnosis
Examination- your physiotherapist will observe the ankle, palpate it, test the stability of the ankle and test the joint’s range of motion.
Thorough clinical history
Doing an MRI and X-ray to rule out soft tissues injury and fractures consecutively.
Treatment
In acute (first four days) phase- rest, Ice application, compression therapy and elevate the ankle. Immobilization using a brace or cast for severe cases.
Once the inflammation goes down, your physiotherapist will do range of motion exercises, proprioception training and gradual strengthening exercises.
Ankle taping while playing to support the tissues.
