Ankle

 

Sprain

An ankle sprain is a very common injury that can often result from a movement where the foot is forcibly turned in. This can happen when landing from a jump, stepping down off the footpath or even from walking in high heels. Swelling and pain with walking are common features of ankle sprains. These can range in severity from a mild sprain that will settle in 7-10 days to a quite severe injury that can take months of rehabilitation. Ligament damage responds very well to physiotherapy and a rehabilitation programme is essential to prevent further injuries. Biomechanical assessment of the feet is of value, especially in recurrent injuries.

Instability

Weakness in the structures on the outside of the ankle, usually following an ankle sprain, can result in ankle instability. Patients with chronic ankle instability can report repeated spraining of the ankle and persistent pain. Full rehabilitation of a first ankle sprain is the most important factor in preventing ankle instability. Physiotherapy treatment can be very helpful for an unstable ankle. Strengthening exercises and balance retraining can reduce symptoms of pain and instability.

David Richards leads the Sports Physio Clinic with Elizabeth Bovich. Together they have an extensive sports background. Dave is the former physiotherapist to the Senior Men’s Irish Hockey Team and is an accredited service provider to the Irish Institute of Sport. Elizabeth is a certified athletic trainer in the USA, and spent three years working with NCAA Division I Athletes in Basketball, American Football, Field Hockey, Track and Field, and Swimming and Diving at Michigan State University.

Common Sports Injuries


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