This is a very common injury we see here at Prima but one which is very treatable with the right rehabilitation program and identifying the correct physiotherapy modalities.

Types and Levels of ankle sprains

There are 3 main types of ankle sprain and 3 ‘levels’ of injury. Firstly let’s look at the 3 levels of injury which helps us decide how conservative we need to be with our approach and predict how long our client/athlete can expect to be off from their sport or goal- be it walking pain-free or returning to competitive sport.

The levels are as follows –
Grade 1 – The ankle joint will probably feel sore and may be slightly swollen. In this case, the ligament has been overstretched but not torn.
Grade 2 – This could be a partial tear in the ligament. This causes prolonged pain and swelling. The client could expect to be off sport for around 5-8 weeks.
Grade 3 – This indicates a full tear/rupture of the ligament and may in some cases require surgery.

All of the above levels of injury have to be considered before designing a suitable rehabilitation plan. The goal of the client may also differ so this also needs to be considered. Also, the environment in which the client is willing to work will affect the long-term outcome of the injury. For instance, if the patient has full use of a gymnasium and/or equipment at home this enables us as therapists to give direction for home exercises.

3 types of common ankle injury

Let’s talk about the 3 types of common ankle injury that may occur.

1) Inversion Sprain – 85% of ankle sprains are inversion rolls of the ankle and something most people have suffered with at some time. Obviously the extent to which the injury occurs will differ. The Anterior-talo- fibular ligament (ATFL) is the ligament which is overstretched in this particular instance and without a correct rehab program can become a weak point in the ankle.

2) Eversion Sprains – This type of injury is a lot less common and is usually seen when an impact has occurred at the ankle. In this case the deltoid ligaments are the main structure which are damaged. Because of the more complicated attachments to the ankle and probably because the injury is more severe, then the client will need a longer recovery process and a more detailed injury assessment.

3) High ankle Sprain – Although self explanatory this is an injury of the syndesmotic ligaments that connect the tibia and fibula in the lower leg. Like the eversion sprain it usually occurs when the ankle twists ‘out’. Inflammation is more apparent with this particular sprain and commonly bruising can occur.

If you have any questions about ankle sprains please email us at info@primaclinic.co.uk. You may also be interested to learn more about Injury Rehabilitation here at Prima Clinic