The lateral ankle sprain is one of the most common lower extremity injuries present in our athletes and our weekend warriors. The lateral ankle sprain is typically caused by an inversion stress to the ankle (rolling your ankle). There are three ligaments along with two peroneal muscles that help dynamically stabilize your ankle to prevent ankle sprains. The anterior talofibular ligament is the most common ligament injured.

Typical signs of a lateral ankle sprain include pain and swelling located on outside of ankle joint, pain with weight bearing, instability when walking or running, decreased ability to balance on ankle/ foot, inability to perform sport activity without pain or instability.

After medical evaluation, the athlete should undergo a functional return to activity progression. If you are looking to get back on the field or court as soon as possible, you should immediately rest, ice, compress, and elevate ankle to control pain and swelling. Next, you will begin restoring your ROM with ankle stretches, regaining strength of ankle musculature, and begin proprioception drills (balance drills.) Examples of balance drills include standing on single leg with eyes open on stable surface then progressing to eyes closed. If the individual is able to complete these activities without pain or increased swelling, they would progress to standing on an unstable surface.

Once you complete the above activities or similar activities it is time to progress to running straight ahead first at 50-60% then progressing to full speed. Again, if completed without pain or swelling the athlete can progress to plyometric (jumping drills) and agility drills. These drills should include sport specific movements to effectively stress the injured ankle and determine if the ankle is ready for return to play. The athlete should always have to perform the drills without pain or instability prior to returning to the field or court. Our goal is always to keep the athlete playing and avoid future injuries. Remember, it is difficult to excel in your sport if you are always in the training room.

Fitness Edge Performance trainers have extensive experience in the physical therapy and sports medicine field. Our programs focus on injury prevention and return to play after injuries. For more information please contact us at 614.506.4040 or visit www.fitnessedgeperformance.com