Ankle Sprains: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

An ankle sprain involves stretching, partial tearing, or complete tearing of one or more ligaments surrounding the ankle joint. Ligaments connect one bone to another thereby providing stabilization of a joint. Management usually involves reducing activity level for a period of time. In some cases a CAM boot (removable walking cast) is dispensed to immobilize and offload the injured tissue. More minor cases can be managed with an ankle brace.

In all cases patients should be instructed to perform ankle stabilization exercises, and some may benefit from structured physical therapy 2-3 days/week for several weeks. Proper rehabilitation prevents future sprains as well as compensation by the contralateral extremity. Physical therapy involves both targeted exercises as well as modalities to minimize pain and inflammation.

An X-Ray is performed during the initial visit to ensure that a fracture does not exist. If a patient is not responding to management within the expected time frame, an MRI can be ordered to assess the extent of the injury. MRI exam evaluates not only bone and cartilage, but soft tissue structures in detail.

Article written by Dr. Corinne Gehegan