Ankle Sprain

Ankle Sprain

Book Your Session Today
Check Out Our London Physio Hub

Award-Winning Ankle Sprain Physio Near You

london physiotherapy Physiotherapy in London Physiotherapy in London

Use Your Private Health Insurance To Cover Your Ankle Sprain Physio Session Costs

Unlock your physio benefits here

cigna wpa bupa private health insurance physio london Physiotherapy in London Physiotherapy in London
axa healix aviva private health insurance physio london Physiotherapy in London Physiotherapy in London

What is Ankle Sprain?

Ankle sprains are one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries, particularly prevalent among athletes and active individuals. This injury occurs when the ligaments of the ankle are overstretched or torn, typically due to an abnormal twisting or rolling motion. Early treatment and proper rehabilitation are crucial for preventing recurrence and long-term complications.

Ankle Sprain Statistics

  • Ankle sprains account for approximately 85% of all ankle injuries.
  • The incidence of ankle sprains is higher in sports like basketball, with an estimated 7 per 1,000 cumulative exposures.
  • In the United States, the annual cost of treating ankle sprains is estimated to be around $2 billion.
  • Source: Rheumatology Journal

    • Ankle Sprain Anatomy

  • Anterior Talofibular Ligament (ATFL): Most commonly injured ligament in ankle sprains, especially during inversion.
  • Calcaneofibular Ligament (CFL): Injured in more severe inversion injuries, often along with the ATFL.
  • Deltoid Ligament: Medial ligament complex injured during forceful pronation and eversion.
  • Tibiofibular Syndesmosis: Stabilizing structure affected in high ankle sprains, involving ligaments like the anterior-inferior tibiofibular ligament.

    • Ankle Sprain
    Signs & Symptoms

  • Pain: Especially when bearing weight on the affected foot.
  • Tenderness: Upon palpation of the ankle joint.
  • Swelling: Commonly associated with bruising and edema.
  • Instability: A feeling of the ankle "giving way," particularly in severe cases.
  • Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty in moving the ankle, especially in plantarflexion and inversion.

    • Causes of Ankle Sprain

  • Inversion Injury: The most common mechanism, where the foot twists inward, overstretching the lateral ligaments.
  • Eversion Injury: Less common, involving injury to the deltoid ligament on the medial side of the ankle.
  • External Rotation: A mechanism associated with high ankle sprains, affecting the tibiofibular syndesmosis.

    • Risk Factors for Ankle Sprain

  • Previous Ankle Sprains: Increases the likelihood of re-injury due to ligamentous weakness.
  • Sports Participation: Higher risk in sports that involve jumping, running, and quick directional changes.
  • Foot Anatomy: Certain foot structures, such as high arches, may predispose individuals to ankle sprains.
  • Improper Footwear: Lack of proper support can increase the risk of an ankle sprain.

    • Trusted by Londoners for Ankle Sprain physiotherapy

    From Ankle Sprain to full ACL reconstruction rehabilitation; we’ve got you covered.

    Get a precise diagnosis, treatment plan, and expert sessions for instant pain relief.

    Ankle Sprain Physio

    Prevalence of Ankle Sprain

  • Ankle sprains are most common in sports, accounting for up to 30% of all sports injuries.
  • Higher incidence observed in indoor sports like basketball.
  • Women have a higher rate of ankle sprains compared to men, especially in certain sports.

    • Assessment & Diagnosis of Ankle Sprain

  • Physical Examination: Includes palpation for tenderness, checking for swelling, and assessing range of motion.
  • Special Tests: Anterior Drawer Test, Talar Tilt Test, and Squeeze Test to assess ligament integrity.
  • Imaging: X-rays to rule out fractures, and MRIs for severe or chronic cases to assess ligament damage.

    • Rehabilitation & Physiotherapy for Ankle Sprain

  • Phase 1 (Inflammatory Phase): Focus on reducing pain and swelling using the PRICE protocol (Protect, Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate).
  • Phase 2 (Proliferative Phase): Begin early mobilization, strengthening exercises, and proprioception training to restore function.
  • Phase 3 (Remodeling Phase): Advanced strengthening, balance, and sport-specific exercises to prepare for return to activity.
  • Chronic Management: For recurrent sprains, long-term rehabilitation focuses on improving stability and preventing re-injury.

    • Book your London physio session today with one of our Ankle Sprain specialists

    BOOK ONLINE TODAY
    london physio Physiotherapy in London Physiotherapy in London

    100% NO-RISK SERVICE GUARANTEE

    If you’re unhappy, your next session is free.

    Ankle Sprain FAQs

    Common symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. The severity of symptoms depends on the extent of the ligament damage.

    Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the sprain. Mild sprains may heal within 2 weeks, while more severe sprains can take several weeks to months with proper rehabilitation.

    Yes, without proper treatment, an ankle sprain can lead to chronic instability, recurrent sprains, and even early-onset arthritis.

    Ankle Sprain References

  • Rheumatology Journal - Ankle Sprain Statistics
  • Medscape - Ankle Sprain Overview

    • You Are In Good Hands

    Trusted by 20,000+ Londoners. Recognised by leading health and professional bodies. Registered with all major health insurance providers.

    London physiotherapy HCPC registration Physiotherapy in London
    • Aldgate Physiotherapy
    • c/o Movement Labs East,
      78 Alie Street,
      London, E1 8PZ
      United Kingdom
    • Mon-Fri: 8am-8.30pm
      Sat+Sun: 9am-4pm
    • Farringdon Physiotherapy
    • c/o One Avenue Group,
      16 St John's Lane,
      London, EC1M 4BS
      United Kingdom
    • Mon-Fri: 8am-6.30pm
      Sat+Sun: CLOSED
    • Mayfair Physiotherapy
    • c/o Signature by Regus - London Berkeley Square,
      2nd Floor, Berkeley Square House,
      Berkeley Square, London, W1J 6BD
    • Mon-Fri: 8am-8.30pm
      Sat+Sun: CLOSED
    Health insurance london physiotherapy Physiotherapy in London
    london physio health insurance Physiotherapy in London
    london physiotherapy payments Physiotherapy in London
    One Body LDN Physiotherapy Physiotherapy in London

    Physiotherapy

    Sports Massage

    Osteopathy

    Resources

    Symptoms

    AREAS WE TREAT

    Private Health Insurance

    Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X | YouTube | LinkedIn | Pinterest | TikTok

    © 2024 One Body LDN | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Terms + Conditions | Glossary | Sitemap | London, UK | Physiotherapy London Directory | Sports Massage London Directory