Physiotherapy condition
Ankle Sprain脚踝扭伤
What Causes an Ankle Sprain?
The ankle joint is made up of three bones: the talus, fibula (the protruding bone on the outside of the ankle) and tibia (the protruding bone on the inside of the ankle).
Ligaments, the primary stabilisers of the ankle, hold these bones together.
On the inside of the ankle, the deltoid ligament, which is thick and strong, provides joint stability. Injury to the deltoid ligament can happen when the foot is twisted outward – known as an eversion sprain.
On the outside of the ankle, three small ligaments—the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL)—provide joint stability. Injury to any of these ligaments can happen when the foot twists inwards, known as an inversion sprain. Inversion sprains account for 80% of all ankle sprains, and the ATFL is the most commonly injured ligament.
Common Signs and Symptoms of an Ankle Sprain
Pain either on the inside or outside area of the ankle
Increasing difficulty walking or putting weight on the affected foot
Swelling and redness
Bruising
The severity of the injury can be determined by the degree of disability immediately and subsequently after injury, and by the degree of swelling and bruising.
How Can Physiotherapy Treat an Ankle Sprain?
An assessment by your physiotherapist can determine the severity of the ligament injury and ankle-joint instability, while excluding damage to other structures in the joint.
Ankle-sprain management follows the principles of reducing pain, managing swelling, restoring range of movement, improving muscle strength, and improving joint proprioception and balance.
The initial management of RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) and restricted weight-bearing in the acute stage of injury is important.
Treatment may include soft-tissue release, joint mobilisation, exercises, taping and ultrasound therapy. A sport-specific rehabilitation programme may support a safe return to the desired activity.
Ankle sprains are painful and can be debilitating.
Frequently Asked Questions on Ankle Sprains
How long does it take to recover from an ankle sprain?
Recovery from an ankle sprain depends on the severity of the ligament injury and any joint instability. A physiotherapist assesses this severity — reflected in the degree of disability, swelling and bruising after injury — and guides your rehabilitation.
What should you do immediately after an ankle sprain?
Immediately after an ankle sprain, follow the RICE protocol — Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation — and limit weight-bearing during the acute stage. This early management is important before rehabilitation begins.
How does a physiotherapist treat an ankle sprain?
A physiotherapist treats an ankle sprain by reducing pain and swelling, restoring range of movement, building muscle strength, and improving joint proprioception and balance. Treatment may include soft-tissue release, joint mobilisation, exercises, taping, ultrasound therapy and a sport-specific rehabilitation programme.
Why is balance training important after an ankle sprain?
Balance training matters after an ankle sprain because restoring joint proprioception and balance is a core principle of recovery — which is why rehabilitation is important even once the initial pain has settled.
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