Ankle sprains:
Ankle sprains are common injuries that occur among people of all ages, with the lateral ankle ligaments more commonly affected (inversion ankle sprain / injury).
They can range from a mild sprain with minimal symptoms to severe with damage to the ligaments (partial or complete rupture) and even bone such as Talar dome injury also known as osteochondral defect (OCD) or osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT).
Tendon damage may also occur in ankle sprains. It can range from tendinitis (inflammation of the tendon) to tears.
If left untreated ankle injuries can cause more long-term problems such as ankle pain, weakness, and instability. Ankle problems can then translate to pain to your knee, hip or back so it is always advised to see one of our experienced podiatrists following any ankle roll.
Common causes of ankle injuries include:
- Walking or running on an uneven surface
- Falling or tripping
- Sports that require cutting actions and twisting of the foot—such as trail running, basketball, tennis, football, and soccer
- Certain foot types (e.g. flat feet) can contribute to increased risk of frequent ankle sprains
Podiatry treatment for ankle sprains:
Our treatment for ankle sprains revolves around reducing pain as well as risk of recurrence (making your ankle stable again):
- use of therapeutic ultrasound, laser therapy to help reduce swelling, inflammation, adhesions, scarring
- strengthening exercises and stretches
- footwear changes
- mobilisation of any locked joints
- dry needling / trigger point therapy or myofascial massage therapy
- prescription orthotics (shoe inserts) following a full biomechanical assessment (e.g.joint range of motions, muscle strength and gait assessment). Your orthotics would take into consideration the sports you partake in.
