The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons lists ankle sprains as one of the most common orthopedic injuries. It is an injury that frequently occurs not only in athletes, but also in the general population. It is also an injury that is often undermined and not treated appropriately.
An ankle sprain typically occurs during a fall or twisting of the ankle. Lateral, or outside of the ankle sprains are most common. It is when the ligaments (connective tissue which hold bone to bone together) become pulled apart and sprained.The severity of the injury is usually directly associated with the severity of the symptoms.
Symptoms of an ankle sprain are typically pain in the ankle, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking on the affected leg.A more complicated ankle sprain may also include instability of the ankle and a possible fracture of bones within the joint. Early and accurate diagnosis is imperative to insure there are no complicating factors associated with the sprain.
Many people, after an ankle sprain, do not undergo a proper evaluation and treatment. Research has shown a greater likelihood of recurrence of ankle sprains in individuals who previously suffered a sprain.Additionally, an untreated ankle sprain may lead to chronic ankle instability and balance problems, a condition marked by persistent giving way and weakness of the ankle. In some individuals, ankle sprains may also lead to sub-acute or chronic lymphatic dysfunction, and therefore prolonged swelling in the ankle/foot.
A rehabilitation of a sprained ankle should begin immediately after an injury. The first step, if there is no disruption in the skin, should always be to elevate and ice the ankle within the first five minutes of the injury. Research has shown that icing within the first five minutes of the injury may significantly reduce swelling, which in turn may speed up the recovery. If rehabilitation is delayed, the injury may be less likely to heal properly.
A proper evaluation of an ankle sprain should consist of extensive history of the injury, skin assessment, palpation, mobility, and strength testing of the ankle. Diagnostic testing such as Xray are not always necessary.
A physical therapist should be considered as primary contact for proper assessment and immediate treatment after an ankle sprain.After a thorough evaluation, a physical therapist can implement a plan of care to reduce pain and swelling, improve strength and stability, improve balance and proprioception, improve flexibility, and even facilitate healing of the joint. It is equally important to consider that early rehabilitation may shorten the length of the symptoms, and reduce chronic (long-term) dysfunction associated with ankle sprains. In New Jersey you can be evaluated and treated by a physical therapist without a referral from your doctor.
Dr. Moczerniuk is a doctor of physical therapy, member of American Physical Therapy Association, and a clinical director at db Orthopedic Physical Therapy of Manalapan LLC, located at 120 Craig Road, Suite 2. He can be reached at 732-462-2162 or via e-mail at [email protected] dborthopt.com.