Ankle Sprain - The Importance of Rehabilitation

Ankle sprain is one of the most common sporting injuries, particularly in popular sports like Netball, Basketball and AFL.

Most of us have rolled an ankle at some stage. If you have you will know the pain, swelling and dark bruising that can occur. Often the affected ankle can be painful for months.

For moderate ankle sprains, most people will put an ice pack on the area, be taped up, see their GP, rest for a few weeks from activity, and then as soon as the pain is gone they will return to exercise and sport as per normal.

Unfortunately this is often where management ends, and this can be a problem.

An ankle sprain can involve stretching or rupture of the ligaments around the ankle. It can also lead to a reduction in your bodies ability to control your ankle stability. If the injury is not rehabilitated properly, chronic instability of the joint can occur.

Chronic ankle instability can feel like persistent ankle pain, swelling, and ‘giving way’ of the ankle.
Ongoing instability can also result in an increased risk of recurrent ankle sprain, and other conditions such as Peroneal Tendonopathy and Sinus Tarsi Syndrome.

But it is never too late! The human body is very adaptable and with a specific program of simple exercises; instability can be improved, risk of further injury minimised, and performance increased.

At Active Health Podiatry we have the knowledge and tools to get your rehab program started for strong, stable ankles. If you have a history of ankle sprain give us a call and book your appointment today.

Click here to book your appointment now.