Ankle Pain – Symptoms & Treatment
- Ligament sprains (17% of admissions to A&E for muscle, joint ,bone injury)
- Cartilage injury
- Achilles tendonosis/tendonitis
- Severs disease
- Fracture/bone break (traumatic / stress)
- Tendon injury
- Arthritis
- Joint Replacement
Ankle Sprains
Ligament sprains are the most common type of ankle injury. Sprains occur when the ligaments (thick fibrous bands that connect bone to bone) which stabilise the joint are stretched beyond their capability resulting in a tear. The most likely mechanism is an inversion sprain in which the foot is forcefully rolled inwards. Depending on the severity of the sprain there may be damage to one or more ligaments and symptoms may vary from mild discomfort whilst walking to an inability to weight bear through the affected ankle.
Treatment
The most important aim of treatment following a sprain in the initial 48 hours is to control swelling and protect the injured tissue. In order to facilitate this goal we recommend the PRICE protocol (Protect, Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation). One of the main risk factors associated with chronic or recurrent ankle sprains is inadequate rehabilitation following injury. At Premier Physiotherapy we use a combination of manual therapy techniques and progressive exercise to help you regain mobility and strength in the joint and return you to full function.