Ankle sprains resulting from trauma or previous injury present in many different ways.
The treatment regime for ankle sprains differs considerably between patients. This is because the ankle joint has many complex structures and functions.
The best way to rehabilitate and resolve ankle injuries is to get a proper diagnosis by a professional in the field.
Ankle sprains are the most common cause of ankle injury and pain, totalling 10-30% of all sports related musculo-skeletal injuries.
Simple day to day activities, such as walking on uneven footpaths or stepping down a gutter, can also cause ankle sprains. If you place your foot in the wrong position a painful stretch or tear to the ankle ligaments can occur. This is likely if you have chronic ankle instability from previous ankle sprains.
Majority result from rolling out (inversion) injuries, where the ligaments on the outside of the ankle are injured.
Rolling in (eversion) injuries are rare and require considerably more force to damage the ligaments on the inside of the ankle.
Ankle Sprains Severity Grading:
Grade 1:
Minor in nature, minimal swelling, minor pain and stiffness. Able to weight bear with little or no joint instability. No loss of tension in ligaments and back to normal activities within 1-2 weeks.
Grade 2:
A significant injury, often unable to weight bear, with more diffused swelling, pain and loss of ligament tension. This grade of injury will take up to 2-4 weeks before being back to normal activities.
Grade 3:
A gross injury and disruption of ankle stability. Severe swelling and bruising, extensive ligament damage and multiple injuries. Will take up to 6-8 weeks to be back to normal activities.
Return to normal activities is assuming correct rehabilitation and treatment.