How Can Physiotherapy for a Sprained Ankle Help
From jumping on a trampoline to going on your daily evening run, or even just walking on a footpath, an ankle sprain is an incredibly common and easy injury to sustain. In Australia, ankle sprains are among the most common acute sporting and musculoskeletal injuries, with around 230,000 patients each year seeking physio for their sprained ankle. But why exactly is this form of injury so common? The answer lies in overall joint stability and body mechanics.
The best way to restore movement, mobility, and strength in a sprained ankle is through physiotherapy. At Back in Motion, our expert team of physiotherapists knows exactly the type of exercises and training that will help to mobilise the joint, speed up the recovery process, and get you back to moving again sooner! No matter what the cause of the injury, whether that be because of athletic, physical, or daily movements, we will be able to create a treatment plan for every kind of sprain.
So, if you need some guidance on how physio can help to treat your sprained ankle, or when you should consult with a physiotherapist, this guide will outline everything you need to know.
What Is a Sprained Ankle
If you have ever experienced a sprained ankle, you understand just how painful and debilitating it can be. A sprained ankle is an injury that happens when the tough band of ligaments that support the ankle joint are stretched beyond capacity. In some cases, these bands can snap and result in a complete tear of the ligament, making even the simplest task of walking incredibly difficult or even impossible.
There are three different types of ankle sprains:
- Inversion (lateral)
- Eversion (medial)
- High ankle (syndesmotic)
An inversion is the most common type of ankle sprain, and it occurs when the foot rolls inwards and stretches or tears the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. The most commonly affected ligaments are the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), and the posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL). An eversion is the opposite of an inversion, and this occurs when the foot rolls outwards and the inner ligament (the deltoid ligament) is damaged. And finally, a high ankle sprain is a much less common but more severe form of injury and occurs when the foot is forcefully twisted outwards or subjected to heavy dorsiflexion (the toes are forcefully pulled up towards the shin), which can then damage the syndesmotic ligaments that connect the shinbone and fibula above the ankle joint.
If you’ve injured your ankle, it’s important to get the sprain assessed as soon as possible by a licensed medical provider to give yourself the best chance of a full recovery and lower your risk of re-injury.
How Is a Sprained Ankle Graded in Terms of Severity
When it comes to a sprained ankle, there are three different grades, all ranked in the order of severity. To identify just how bad the injury actually is, your physio will assess the severity with a hands-on examination and may refer you for imaging (such as an X-ray to rule out a fracture) if needed. This diagnosis is key to evaluating the type of physiotherapy that would be most suitable for you.
Grade 1 Ankle Sprain (Mild Tear)
A Grade 1 ankle sprain is the least severe form of an ankle sprain, and it involves the slight stretching or the microscopic tearing of the ligaments that surround the ankle joint. In most cases, the anterior talofibular ligament is affected, and you may experience mild swelling, pain, or bruising in the area. The ankle will remain relatively stable, walking will still be possible, and recovery usually takes around 1 to 2 weeks.
Grade 2 Ankle Sprain (Moderate Tear)
A Grade 2 ankle sprain is a partial or incomplete tear of the ligament surrounding the ankle joint, and you may experience moderate to severe pain in the area with noticeable bruising and swelling. The area may also feel tender to the touch and cause discomfort if pressure is applied. The functionality of the ankle will also be affected, with a reduced range of motion and joint instability as a result of the injury. Walking may also be painful and you may limp. Recovery time is also significantly longer, ranging from 3 to 6 weeks with a brace or walking boot necessary to secure the joint.
Grade 3 Ankle Sprain (Severe Tear)
A Grade 3 ankle sprain is the most severe and complex form of the injury, and seeking physiotherapy treatment is crucial to strengthen and stabilise the affected joint. A Grade 3 sprain involves the complete rupture of the ligaments surrounding the ankle joint, and this damage will cause significant swelling, bruising, and pain in the area. Bearing weight or walking on the ankle will be impossible as the joint is completely unstable and will cause your ankle to “give way”, which may result in further injury. The standard recovery time is several months, with surgical intervention and complete immobilisation may be necessary to allow the joint to heal properly.
When Should You See a Physiotherapist for a Sprained Ankle
When it comes to a sprained ankle, seeking physiotherapy as soon as possible after sustaining the injury is vital to get an accurate diagnosis and promote faster healing and long-term stability. Physiotherapy will not only strengthen the ankle joint and the ligaments surrounding the affected area, but it will also help to restore a full range of motion and make sure that the joint regains stability and function. Treatment in the initial phases will often include gentle movements as the area will still be tender and weak.
As a general rule, you should aim to seek physiotherapy advice within 2 to 5 days of spraining your ankle. If you experience any of the following: difficulty walking and exerting pressure onto the joint, severe bruising or swelling, immediate instability and loss of strength, or a “popping” sound at the time of the injury, getting an immediate medical assessment is really important to help protect the joint and prevent any further deterioration.
At Back in Motion, our team of expert physiotherapists will be able to provide a tailored treatment plan that will include both active rehabilitation and gentle movements that you can do at home to maximise the success of your recovery and get you back to moving sooner.
Treat Your Sprained Ankle with Back in Motion
Sprained ankles can be extremely debilitating and make even the simplest task of walking painful and unbearable. Getting an immediate medical assessment and seeking physiotherapy advice early on is the key to a successful recovery and restored strength and stability in the ankle joint. At Back in Motion, we specialise in providing all of our patients with personalised treatment plans that are designed to maximise recovery, promote thorough healing, and get you back to moving again with confidence and certainty! Our physiotherapists will develop a plan that will help to restore a full range of movement in your ankle and help reduce the risk of future injuries.
With more than 25 years of experience and clinics nationwide, we can help you to recover well and reduce your risk of re-injury and get you back to moving again sooner! So, if you are ready to get started or you have sustained an ankle injury and want physiotherapy treatment that is tailored to you, find your nearest available Back in Motion clinic and book an appointment with us by phone or through our online booking system.