By Lucy Morelli
"I've Sprained my Ankle..."
What have I done?...
Ligament injuries of the ankle are common, and comprise around 20% of all sports injuries. The lateral ligaments found on the outside of the ankle are a lot weaker than the inside ligaments, and are much more easily damaged when you roll or twist your ankle. Following an ankle sprain, it is not uncommon for people to feel 'unstable', with around 30% of people who sprain an ankle suffering from subsequent chronic, recurrent sprains. This most commonly occurs with severe sprains or when a less severe sprain is left to heal by itself, often leaving it weakened through insufficient healing, reduced muscle control and poor balance.
So what does my Diagnosis actually mean?
How badly you sprain an ankle and what needs to be done depends upon how much of the lateral ligament has been torn. Mild or Grade 1 sprain: up to 25% of the ligament is torn. Moderate or Grade 2 sprain: 25-50% of ligament torn. Severe or Grade 3 sprain: Over 50% disruption to ligament fibres. When severe, your doctor or physiotherapist will often order an x-ray for your ankle to make sure there are no associated fractures to the bones.
What Do I Need to Do?
STAGE 1: ACUTE MANAGEMENT (1- 3 DAYS) Damage Control. Rest: Take a little weight through the foot, using crutches to help not only in reducing the pressure and pain, but encouraging early movement. Ice: Early; Often over first 24 hours; 15-20 minutes every 2-4 hours. Compression: Bandage, Brace or taping to control swelling for 48 hours Elevation: Attempt to rest with the ankle elevated to reduce swelling. Seek treatment.
What Next?
STAGE 2: SUB-ACUTE MANAGEMENT (3-10 DAYS) Where range of motion begins to return, strength training begins, Activities of Daily Living (ADL's) become easier. This stage will usually see the Physiotherapist use their manual therapy skills, as well as therapy modalities, such as Ultrasound. An exercise program will be introduced, and increased function will be encouraged.
STAGE 3: RETURN TO FUNCTION (10 DAYS - 21 DAYS) Range of motion is restored, strength returns to normal, all ADL's are performed without discomfort. The patient now becomes more of a driver of the treatment, as there is less manual therapy ( if any sometimes ) and a real emphasis on exercise rehabilitation, to ensure optimal return to function. This stage of the treatment is crucial so as to reduce the chance of future lateral ankle sprain.
STAGE 4: RETURN TO SPORT (3-6 WEEKS) Higher level activities looking at mimicking sport actions, and ensuring the ankle is able to withstand the high intensity stress put upon it when playing sport. The patient will be put through higher level strength and endurance programs, and be tested with activities that will determine their readiness to return to sport.
A Final Word...
All patients, as individuals will progress at varying speeds, having different expectations and goals. As a result rehabilitation will be different for every individual. Your Physiotherapist is looking for you to reach specific goals at each stage before moving on. This combined effort achieves the best outcome for your injury. Of course should you have any queries about the rehabilitation program simply discuss them with your treating Physiotherapist.
Lucy Morelli is the owner and director of Backfocus Physiotherapy based in Melbourne, Australia.
http://www.backfocus.com.au
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lucy_Morelli
Call today to schedule an appointment with your local physiotherapist.
Our Guarantee: "We commit to the highest level of personal and professional service; if not, we will