Lateral ankle sprains - do you sprain your ankle easily?

What is a Lateral Ankle Sprain?

This is when the foot rolls inward, damaging the ligaments of the outer ankle — the anterior talofibular ligament, the calcaneofibular ligament, and the posterior talofibular ligament.

What are the different severities of an Ankle Sprain?

Risk factors for lateral ankle sprains:

Hypermobile feet e.g. due to ligamentous laxity (flexible joints)

Weak muscles surrounding the ankle

Previous ankle injury

Inappropriate footwear

How can we help as podiatrists?

When it is acute (i.e. at its early stages, usually Week 1-2)

• Rest, ice, compress, elevate (and 

• Strapping and offloading including braces, moon-boots or crutches, depending on severity

• Laser therapy to reduce inflammation and pain by targeting cell regeneration

• Ultrasound therapy to reduce inflammation surrounding the ligaments

• Rehabilitation including exercises such as: Dorsiflexion and plantarflexion/inversion and eversion, and Ankle ABCs.

• Specialised footwear advice and prescriptions

When it is chronic:

• As above, with addition of the following:

• Shockwave therapy or dry needling to break up scar tissue and increase collagen regeneration

• Interferential therapy for rehabilitation of weak lateral ankle muscles

• Rehabilitation including exercises such as: Dorsiflexion and plantarflexion/inversion and eversion against resistance e.g. Theraband

• Range of motion exercises including lunge stretches and heel raises

If you are suffering from chronic pain or re-injury in your ankle, what are you waiting for? Contact one of our friendly podiatrists today on 1800 778 316 if you have any questions!