Ankle Sprains in Athletes
Jun 06, 2016
With summer quickly approaching, comes more activity, and with more activity comes an increased risk of ankle sprains. Not only for the athletes but for those being more active during the summer months. According to Statistics Canada, the most common injured body part among young people (aged 12-19 years) is feet or ankles (33%). Once an injury like an ankle sprain occurs, it increases the likelihood of having another sprain in the future. With each repeated sprain of the ankle, it weakens the ligaments even more which can lead to complete tears in the ligaments that either require surgery or less involvement in activity in the future. Especially, if the ankle is strengthened after the injury. That’s where physiotherapy becomes really important for this young population.
So what is an ankle sprain? The most common type of ankle sprain is an inversion ankle sprain. There are 3 major ligaments on the outside of the ankle that restrict the ankle from rolling out or inversion. Depending on the severity of the sprain, there can be swelling, pain, bruising and difficulty walking. If you can’t walk more than 4 steps without limping or severe pain, you should see your doctor or a physiotherapist to determine if there is a need to go for an X-ray to rule out a fracture. Some physiotherapists can refer directly for X-rays including our Physiotherapists, James Dean, Michele Rowein, Mika Bodet and Kendra Wilson.
Some other things to do with an acute ankle sprain are to use the PRICE principle. PRICE stands for protect, rest, ice, compression, and elevation. It’s also a good idea to book an appointment to see your physiotherapist to help determine when you can return to activity and to help the speed up the healing process. The goals of the physiotherapist are also to help decrease the incidence of injuring that ankle again. We see far too many young athletes with repeated ankle sprains that could have possibly been prevented if they had had physiotherapy and the proper strengthening after the first one.
Contact us at Active Physio Works to make an appointment for any of those ankle injuries. (780)458-8505.
Please add your bio info through your member profile page, or through your dashboard.