Phone: (714) 695-1566
Fax: (714) 695-1553
Email: [email protected]
23655 Via Del Rio, Suite C
Yorba Linda, CA 92887
Ankle Sprains
What are Ankle Sprains?
Ankle sprains are one of the most common sports injuries that occur when ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn. Most ankle sprains involve an inversion injury (the foot turns inward) to the anterior talofibular (ATFL) and calcaneofibular (CFL) ligaments. The less common medial ankle sprains are caused by an eversion injury (the foot turns out) to the deltoid ligament inside the ankle.
Ankle sprains are graded by level of severity:
Grade I – Slight stretching of the ligament(s), slight tenderness, bruising, and swelling
Grade II – Mild tearing of the ligament, moderate tenderness, bruising, and swelling
Grade III – Complete tear of the ligament, sever tenderness, bruising, and swelling.
Grade III – Complete tear of the ligament, sever tenderness, bruising, and swelling.
Overview
Ankle Anatomy
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At Salinas, the idea is simple – provide a more focused, customized and unique approach to the care of individuals.
Salinas Physical Therapy
23655 Via Del Rio, Suite C
Yorba Linda, CA 92887
Phone: (714) 695-1566
Fax: (714) 695-1553
Email: [email protected]
How Ankle Sprains Are Treated
Severe pain, swelling, and difficulty weight-bearing may indicate a more serious injury. If you are experiencing these symptoms, we advise seeking a precautionary X-ray by a trained physician to rule out potential bone fractures.
For a mild ankle sprains, use the RICE protocol:
- Rest your ankle by limiting walking or returning to sport.
- Ice can be applied to limit reduce swelling. Apply ice for 20 minute intervals, 3 – 4 times daily.
- Compression dressings, bandages, and ace wraps will immobilize and support your injured ankle.
- Elevate your ankle above the level of your heart as often as possible to minimize swelling.
Our Rehab Process
Reducing Pain – The first step of the rehab process involves hands-on therapy techniques supplemented by modalities to decrease pain and minimize swelling. Compressive garments and bracing may be necessary to limit your range of motion while the injured tissue is healing.
Restoring Mobility – Early passive, and guided active motion is key to regaining full range of motion (ROM). We emphasize mobilizing the injury site within a protected range to prevent joint and muscle stiffness. Our ROM exercises allow for adequate healing to occur while safely protecting the injury.
The Difference
Optimizing Movement – The challenge lies in recovering regular activity once pain and swelling have resolved and joint mobility is restored. Our therapists are experts in prescribing exercises that allow you to regain your movement patters without harming the healing tissue. Proprioceptive (balance training) is also emphasized during this phase to improve dynamic stability.
Enhancing Performance – We are not satisfied with getting you back to baseline. We will design progressive strengthening exercises, and as your ankle heals, we will create agility and functional drills to get you back to your goals. Jumping, cutting, and acceleration/deceleration drills are implemented before discharge to reduce re-injury risk.
Disclaimer: This information is intended for informational and educational purposes only and in no way should be taken to be the provision or practice of physical therapy, medical, or professional healthcare advice or services. The information should not be considered complete or exhaustive and should not be used for the diagnostic or treatment purposes without first consulting with your physical therapist, physician or other healthcare provider. The owners of this website accept no responsibility for the misuse of information contained within this website.