Ankle sprains are common injuries that occur when the foot twists or turns beyond its normal range of movement, causing the ligaments of the ankle to overstretch or tear. Of all sports injuries in the United States, 45% are ankle sprains. Physical therapists help people who have experienced ankle sprains reduce their pain, regain their strength, motion, and balance, return to normal activity levels and avoid re injury.
What is an Ankle Sprain?
Sprains are injuries to ligaments (the bands of tissue that hold joints together). Ankle sprains occur when the foot twists or turns beyond its normal range of movement, causing the ligaments connecting the bones of the leg, ankle, and foot to overstretch or tear.
The ligaments on the outer (lateral) side of the ankle are the ones most commonly injured. Ligaments on the inner (medial) side of the ankle, or above the ankle bone, can also be sprained, but are injured less frequently.
An ankle sprain usually takes between two weeks to two months to heal. The ankle will feel better after a few weeks, and be fully strengthened in a few months. A severely sprained ligament, however, can take nine months to one year to heal.
Symptoms of Ankle Sprains
Right after an ankle sprain, you may experience:
Pain
Swelling
Inability to stand or walk on the affected foot
Throbbing
Stiffness
Weakness
A feeling of instability in the ankle joint
Classification of Ankle Sprains
Grade 1 (mild) – the ligament is overstretched
Grade 2 (moderate) – the ligament is overstretched and partially torn
Grade 3 (severe) – the ligament is completely torn
How to Prevent Ankle Sprains?
Your physical therapist can recommend a home exercise program to help prevent ankle sprains.
Home exercises may include:
Strength
Flexibility
Balance exercises
How Can Physical Therapy Help?
Physical therapists help people with ankle sprains recover more quickly than they would without treatment. The time it takes to heal an ankle sprain varies, but results can often be achieved in 2 to 8 weeks. Your physical therapist will work with you to:
Reduce pain and swelling
Improve motion
Improve flexibility
Improve strength
Improve endurance
Improve balance
Restore agility
Learn a home program
Return to activities
Speed recovery time