Ankle Sprains - The Importance of Prompt Care and Comprehensive Rehabilitation

Ankle sprains are a common injury that can occur during both sports and everyday activities. Whether you’re participating in athletics, football, rugby, netball, tennis, or simply going about your daily routine, an ankle sprain can significantly impact your mobility and quality of life.

Sprains involve the stretching or tearing of the ligaments that stabilise the ankle, resulting in pain, swelling, and decreased mobility. Despite the common misconception that ankle sprains will resolve on their own, neglecting proper care can lead to long-term consequences such as chronic ankle instability (CAI), which affects 70% of people after their first sprain. At The Urban Physio, we promote the importance of seeking early treatment to ensure optimal recovery and a return to the activities you love doing as soon as possible. In this blog, we delve into why treating ankle sprains promptly is essential and how our experienced team can assist you in your recovery journey.

The Importance of Treatment:

Over 90% of ankle sprains involve the ligaments on the outside aspect of the ankle, known as lateral ankle sprains. While the initial pain may improve after a few weeks, the stretching and tearing of ligaments, tendons, and muscles supporting the ankle can lead to long-term issues. An untreated ankle sprain can result in weakness and instability, increasing the likelihood of future sprains. Recurrent ankle sprains are also linked to the development of chronic ankle instability, a condition characterised by laxity and instability, which can eventually lead to post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Therefore, early intervention and appropriate treatment are essential to prevent these complications.

Comprehensive Care at The Urban Physio:

At The Urban Physio, our experienced team will assess and accurately diagnose your ankle injury. We provide a range of effective treatments to facilitate your recovery. Techniques such as soft tissue massage, bracing, taping, and joint mobilisation are employed by our physiotherapists to reduce pain, swelling, and improve muscle function post-sprain. Additionally, we may incorporate other techniques such as dry needling and acupuncture, which have been shown to effectively contribute to reducing pain and swelling.

Exercise-Based Rehabilitation:

In addition to immediate treatment, exercise-based rehabilitation plays a crucial role in the overall recovery process. Our physios can design personalised rehabilitation programmes focused on enhancing strength, balance, biomechanics and the ability to sense movement. Exercise has been proven to reduce the likelihood of future ankle sprains by up to 81%. By addressing the underlying weaknesses and imbalances, we aim to restore stability and function to your ankle, enabling you to return to the activities you love with confidence.

Don’t let the nuisance of repeated ankle sprains hold you back from doing what you love. Book an appointment with one of our experienced physios today and we’ll help you get back on track.