Ankle Sprain
Katelyn Mueller, ATC
Hughston Athletic Training Fellowship
The ankle is a joint composed of muscles, bones, and ligaments. A ligament connects bone to bone. A sprain is the stretching or tearing of a ligament. Ankle sprains are the most common injury in recreational and competitive athletes. There are different types of ankle sprains a person can sustain; lateral (outside), medial (inside), or syndesmosis (high). Once the injury is sustained the degree of sprain is determined based on signs and symptoms.
Types of Sprains
Lateral ankle sprains occur when the foot is slightly pointed and turned in. This usually occurs with a quick change of direction, landing on an object such as another athlete’s foot, or even stepping in a hole. Lateral sprains are the most common of the different types of sprains.
Medial sprains occur when the foot is forced up and turned out, this can also occur from landing on someone’s foot.
Syndesmosis sprain is similar to the lateral sprain; it occurs from turning the foot out but instead of the foot pointed down it is pointed out. Syndesmosis sprains result in a longer recovery time.
Degrees of Sprains
First (mild) degree sprain is when the ligament is only stretched. Signs and symptoms include; pain and swelling over the injured area, pain with touch to the area, and when the ligament is tested there is no laxity.
Second (moderate) degree sprain is when there is a partial tear to the ligament. Signs and symptoms include; a tearing or popping sensation felt on injured side, pain and swelling, pain with touch, some laxity felt with testing of the ligaments.
Third (severe) degree sprain is a rupture of the ligament. Signs and symptoms include; tearing or popping sensation, diffuse swelling over entire side of injury, can be very painful, laxity with testing of ligaments.
Treatment of Sprains
The most important thing to remember when dealing with ankle sprains is RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. For the first initial 72 hours ice is the most important to decrease swelling, heat will only increase blood flow to the injured area. Depending on the severity of the ankle sprain rest may be needed, it is best to discuss treatment with a Certified Athletic Trainer or physician. An ace wrap can be used to compress the area and push the swelling out. The ace wrap should start just below the toes and be worked up to the lower leg. Always keep the foot elevated above the heart; this also helps to push swelling out.
When dealing with ankle sprain it is important to keep range of motion. This can be done by writing the alphabet with your foot, moving your foot up and down and side to side. Balance and strengthening exercises should also be incorporated once the patient has obtained a good range of motion. All of these exercises are integrated into a program and should be facilitated by a Certified Athletic Trainer, Physical Therapist or a physician.
Katelyn Mueller, ATC, graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh with a Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic Training and Spanish and a minor in Strength and Conditioning. While attending UW-Oshkosh she was the Student Athletic Trainer for men's and women's soccer, football, wrestling, volleyball, women's basketball, men's and women's track and field, men's and women's swimming and Oshkosh North High School. She was also active member in the Sports Medicine Club at UW-Oshkosh. Katelyn is a current member of the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA), the Great Lakes Athletic Trainers Association (GLATA) and the Wisconsin Athletic Trainers Association (WATA) and holds certification as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). Katie has been assigned as the Head Athletic Trainer at Harris County High School.