Timothy Payne, M.D.

Ankle sprains are a very common problem. Ankle sprains vary from a simple sprain involving one set of ligaments, to a complex tearing injury which disrupts all of the ligaments about the ankle joint. In the majority of cases, a sprain is not a catastrophic event, but sprains can lead to a delay in return to work or athletic activities. Injured ankles should be appropriately evaluated to make sure that there is not a more significant injury (e.g., a fracture) which could lead to ankle instability and traumatic arthritis.

Once a determination has been made that the ankle is stable, a plan of functional restoration is in order. This includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Bracing will support the ankle, perhaps enough to allow walking. Crutches are used when pain is too great to allow weight bearing. In many instances, physical therapy is useful to promote motion of the ankle and for modalities to reduce swelling.

Functional restoration is not complete until the person regains proprioception, a sense of balance and coordination in the injured limb. Too frequently, a person stops rehabilitation prematurely in order to get back to their active lifestyle. This can result in recurrent ankle sprains and further injury. Such repetitive ankle sprains can result in a need for surgical reconstruction. In most instances, this can be avoided with an established rehabilitation program.