An ankle sprain happens when the ligaments are stretched or torn, usually due to a sudden twist or roll of the ankle during sports, running, or jumping. It can also occur while walking on uneven surfaces, slipping, or falling. Factors like improper landing, weak ankle muscles, poor balance, and wearing unsupportive footwear further increase the risk by reducing ankle stability and control.
ACL Injury Physiotherapy Treatment in Bengaluru
What Is an Ankle Sprain?
An ankle sprain is a condition in which the ligaments that connect the leg bones to the bones of the foot become stretched or injured. It is not a disease, but a common injury that can occur when the ankle twists, rolls, or turns suddenly in an awkward position. Ankle sprains can affect people of all ages and activity levels.
The ligaments in the ankle are designed to allow movement within a safe range while providing stability to the joint. When the ankle is forced beyond its normal range of motion, these ligaments may stretch or tear, resulting in pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Proper physiotherapy helps reduce discomfort, restore movement, and strengthen the ankle for safe recovery.
Symptoms of Ankle Sprain
An ankle sprain can cause several noticeable symptoms in the affected area. Swelling often develops due to inflammation, as fluid leaks from the surrounding blood vessels into the tissue, bringing white blood cells to the site.
- Increase in blood flow at the affected region may be observed and this will eventually lead to the painful sensations.
- Pain occurs due to the increased sensitivity of the nerves. The pressing of the affected region may cause even more pain and the conditions may become worse if you keep trying to walk or stand by putting weight on the affected region.
- The affected region may appear red and warmth can be felt. The stiffness in muscles may also be experienced. Also, the discoloration of the skin may take place along with tenderness in joints.
Treatment Procedures for Ankle Sprain
Treatment for an ankle sprain depends on the severity of the injury. In serious cases, medications or surgery may be required, but for most patients, physiotherapy is the most effective approach.
Physiotherapy focuses on restoring flexibility of the ligaments and strengthening the muscles around the ankle once the swelling has reduced. Targeted exercises help improve stability, prevent stiffness, and support a faster recovery.
Home care is also an important part of early treatment, often following the RICE method:
- The first stage treatment is commonly known as RICE.
- Take Rest
- Treatment using Ice so as to tackle the elevated blood flow and to reduce the swelling and redness
- Elevation of the affected region by keeping the injured region as high as possible so that the absorption of leaked fluid can take place
Physiotherapy Treatment for Ankle Sprain
Physiotherapy for ankle sprain is usually carried out in three structured stages, based on the healing process:
Physiotherapy focuses on restoring flexibility of the ligaments and strengthening the muscles around the ankle once the swelling has reduced. Targeted exercises help improve stability, prevent stiffness, and support a faster recovery.
Home care is also an important part of early treatment, often following the RICE method:
Stage 1 – Inflammatory Phase:
The initial phase focuses on reducing pain and swelling using the RICE protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation).
Stage 2 – Pain Management Phase:
After swelling decreases, physiotherapy aims to control pain and improve movement using modalities like ultrasound, TENS, laser therapy, and gentle ROM exercises.
Stage 3 – Strengthening Phase:
The final stage focuses on strengthening, balance, and stability exercises to restore ankle function and prevent re-injury.