by Jon Lewis, Senior Chartered Physiotherapist BSc MCSP HCPC
Most people have sprained their ankle at some point in their life.
A sprained ankle occurs when the ligaments on the outside of the ankle are overstretched as a result of forcefully rolling over onto the outside of your foot. The severity of the sprain varies from a mild twist to severe ligament ruptures and fractures. If you have ever thought ‘it’s just a sprain’ and ‘I’ll just walk it off’, then read on….
Ankle injuries should never be taken lightly and if left untreated people put themselves at risk of re-injury, chronic ankle instability, persistent pain and early arthritis.
Symptoms of a sprained ankle include pain and swelling. A click or pop may be heard and you may be unable to put weight through the foot. At this acute stage it is very important for you to treat your ankle with the P.R.I.C.E. regime:
Protection
Rest
Ice
Compression
Elevation
This regime is very effective for reducing swelling, pain and preventing further injury. If you suspect you may have suffered a serious injury, including a fracture or dislocation, it is very important that you seek immediate medical attention.
It is highly recommended that you are assessed by a qualified physiotherapist who can use various techniques to aid the healing of the damaged ligaments, restore ankle movement and provide you with a structured and progressive rehabilitation programme to regain strength, balance and the stability of the joint. This will significantly reduce the risk of re-injury and prevent any persistent problems in the future.
So if you ever twist your ankle, don’t risk it, get it checked out by a qualified physiotherapist.
For further information, please visit the Central Physio website
