By Mike Ho, Physiotherapist
Do I Need to See a Physiotherapist After Spraining or Rolling My Ankle?
Spraining or rolling your ankle is a common injury, but it can be more serious than it seems at first. You might wonder whether you should see a physiotherapist or just rest and wait for it to heal on its own.
In this article, we’ll explore what happens when you sprain your ankle, how the injury is graded, and why seeing a physiotherapist is a crucial step in your recovery.
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What Is the Mechanism of Spraining or Rolling an Ankle?
An ankle sprain typically occurs when you twist, roll, or turn your ankle in an awkward way. This can happen during sports, walking on an uneven surface, or even stepping down from a curb the wrong way.
When the ankle is forced out of its normal position, the ligaments that support the ankle stretch or tear.
These ligaments are strong bands of tissue that help keep the bones in your ankle stable. A sprain can range from a slight stretch of the ligament to a complete tear.
Most commonly an ankle sprain will involve the ankle rolling inwards, causing a stretch or tear of the ligaments on the outer part of the ankle. This makes up about 85% of all ankle sprains.
The other 15% involves either the rolling of the ankle outwards (stretch or tear of the ligaments on the inner part of the ankle) or a high ankle sprain that involves the ligaments that help stabilise the shin bones together.
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How Are Ankle Sprains and Strains Graded?
Ankle sprains are graded based on the severity of the injury:
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Grade 1 (Mild): The ligaments are slightly stretched but not torn. There might be mild swelling and tenderness, but you can still walk with minimal pain.
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Grade 2 (Moderate): This involves a partial tear of the ligament. Swelling, bruising, and pain are more noticeable, and walking is more painful.
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Grade 3 (Severe): This is a complete tear of the ligament. The ankle is unstable, and you may not be able to bear weight on it. Significant swelling and bruising are common, and the pain can be severe.
Why Is It Important to See a Physiotherapist After an Ankle Sprain?
Many people think that resting and applying ice is enough to heal an ankle sprain, but without proper treatment, the injury may not heal correctly.
This can lead to long-term issues like chronic ankle instability, where the ankle frequently gives way, or persistent pain and swelling. The stats show that up to 40% of people who have had an ankle sprain report of long term persistent issues.
A physiotherapist can help you recover fully by providing a tailored treatment plan that includes exercises to strengthen the muscles around your ankle, improve balance, and restore full range of motion.
They can also guide you through the appropriate stages of rehabilitation, ensuring that you don’t return to activity too soon and risk re-injury.
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When to See a Physio After an Ankle Sprain
You should consider seeing a physiotherapist as soon as possible after spraining your ankle, especially if the pain and swelling are significant or if you have difficulty walking.
Early intervention can help speed up recovery and prevent complications. If you have a severe sprain or if you’re not sure how serious the injury is, a physiotherapist can assess your condition and provide the right treatment from the start.
Physiotherapy Treatment After an Ankle Sprain
Physiotherapy treatment for an ankle sprain typically involves several stages:
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Acute Phase: In this phase, the physiotherapist will assess the severity of the sprain and provide a proper diagnosis. They may also refer on for imaging if the physiotherapist suspects any fractures or significant tears in the ligaments. The main focus in the initial stage is on reducing pain and swelling. This may involve a period of offloading, ice, compression, and elevation, along with gentle range-of-motion exercises.
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Subacute Phase: Once the initial pain and swelling have decreased, your physiotherapist will introduce exercises to improve strength and mobility. These might include ankle rotations, calf raises, and resistance band exercises.
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Rehabilitation Phase: In this phase, the focus is on restoring full function to the ankle. Balance exercises, functional training, and sport-specific drills may be introduced to help you return to your normal activities safely.
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Return to Activity: Your physiotherapist will guide you through a gradual return to your usual activities or sports, ensuring that your ankle is strong and stable enough to prevent re-injury. Strength testing may be done to ensure we meet adequate levels of strength to clear you to return to your desired activities or sports.
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How Long Will A Sprained Ankle Take to Heal?
The time it takes to recover from an ankle sprain depends on the severity of the injury. A mild sprain might heal in just a few days to a week, while a moderate sprain could take several weeks. A severe sprain may require several months of rehabilitation.
Following your physiotherapist’s advice and completing your rehabilitation program can help ensure a full recovery and reduce the risk of future injuries.
By understanding the importance of seeing a physiotherapist after an ankle sprain, you can take the right steps to recover fully, get back to your normal activities without unnecessary delays and reduce the risk of any long-term consequences.
If you’ve sprained your ankle, don’t hesitate to seek professional help with one of our experienced physiotherapists to ensure a complete and safe recovery.
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