Ankle sprains are some of the most common injuries that
affect athletes. A sprain is caused by
injury to a ligament, or a band of tissue that connects a bone to a bone. (A strain doesn’t happen to a ligament—it
happens to a muscle or a tendon, a piece of tissue that connects a muscle to a
bone.) Ligaments in the ankle help to
keep the joint stable, so a sprain can be a serious issue, especially in an
athlete.
Ankle sprains are usually caused by a sudden twist or roll
of the joint while an athlete’s weight is on it, causing a stretch or tear of
the ligaments. 90% of ankle sprains are
caused by an inward and downward movement of the foot, injuring the ligaments on
the outside of the ankle.
Many athletes describe a loud “snap” or “pop” or “crack”
when they twist their ankle, and pain follows immediately. Swelling and bruising can develop very
quickly, and the athlete may have difficulty walking. If this is the case, an x-ray may be
necessary to determine if there may be a fractured bone.
Most ankle sprains can be treated with ice,
anti-inflammatory medicines, and a wrap, brace, or walking boot. Crutches may be necessary for the first few
days. As soon as he or she can, an
athlete should start a rehabilitation program, concentrating on moving the
joint, strengthening the muscles around the joint, and eventually balance
training. Functional, sport specific
training is helpful to get the player back on the field. Often, working with a physical therapist can
help quicken return to play. However,
returning too early can put an athlete at risk of reinjury and more lost playing time. The athlete should never just rest and wait
for the ankle to heal without working on strengthening, because a “weak” ankle
is more likely to have problems down the line
.
An athlete who has had an ankle sprain is more likely to
injure it again, especially within the next 6-12 months. Continuing the rehabilitation exercises is
one of the best ways to avoid problems, as is wearing a good ankle brace with
sports.
Thankfully, most ankle sprains are healed within about four
weeks. If an athlete is still struggling
after that period of time with good rest and rehabilitation, it may indicate
there is another problem, like a cartilage injury or an unstable joint.
