Ankle Sprains Unley
Treatment for Ankle Sprains Unley
Factors Associated with Ankle Sprains
- Did your ankle roll after landing on another person’s foot while playing sport?
- Did your ankle roll while walking or running after an awkward step?
- Did the ankle make a popping or cracking noise during the incident?
- Do you have ankle swelling, stiffness, or discomfort when putting weight through the foot?
An ankle sprain is a common injury involving the ligaments that help support the ankle joint, which we see at SA Running Injury Clinic. These injuries may occur during activities such as walking, running, jumping, or sport when the ankle rolls or twists unexpectedly.
As described, ankle sprains are usually caused by runners or walkers misjudging a step or landing unevenly. In sports, it is often due to changing direction or landing on someone else’s foot.
Ankle Sprains Treatment
Ankle sprains may occur when the foot rolls unexpectedly during walking, running, or sporting activities such as landing awkwardly or changing direction quickly.
Following an ankle sprain, some individuals may experience swelling, bruising, stiffness, and discomfort with walking or standing, with temporary support such as strapping, crutches, or a walking boot sometimes required. In more significant injuries, fractures may also need to be ruled out. Some people may continue to experience ankle instability, stiffness, or ongoing discomfort following an ankle sprain, including presentations associated with Sinus Tarsi Syndrome.
Management for ankle sprains may include the following rehabilitation phases:
Phase One:
- Early management approaches may focus on reducing swelling and supporting recovery using RICER principles.
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevation
Phase Two:
- Management strategies to assist ankle movement and flexibility
- Massage
- A guided stretching exercise approach
Phase Three:
- Strengthen Muscle
- Exercise-based strengthening approaches for the calf, ankle, and foot region
Phase Four:
- Evaluation of foot posture and movement patterns
- Altered foot mechanics, such as excessive inward or outward rolling of the foot, may be associated with ankle sprains and Sinus Tarsi Syndrome presentations.
Phase Five:
- Progressive rehabilitation exercises focusing on balance, movement, and sport-specific activities
- Rehabilitation exercises tailored to the demands of your sport or activity
Ankle Support and Management with the EXO-L Brace
For some runners and active individuals, ankle sprains may lead to ongoing ankle instability or difficulty returning to activity. The EXO-L ankle brace is a custom 3D-printed support designed to provide additional ankle support during movement while maintaining comfort and day-to-day mobility. At SA Running Injury Clinic, the brace may be considered as part of an ankle rehabilitation and support program.
Foot and Ankle Support Designed for Everyday Activity
Customised through a 3D scanning and printing process, the EXO-L brace is designed to provide personalised ankle support during activity and movement. Its lightweight design is commonly used by runners and active individuals participating in sport or exercise. In some cases, the brace may be claimable through private health insurance under podiatry orthotic cover. Rehabilitation approaches at SA Running Injury Clinic may additionally include gait retraining, strengthening programs, and footwear assessment to support return to activity.
Assessment and Management for Sprained Ankles at SA Running Injury Clinic
Residents of nearby suburbs including North Adelaide, Eastwood, Walkerville, Unley, Prospect, St Peters, Glenside, Parkside, Norwood, Burnside, Brompton, Thebarton, Mile End, Fullarton, Myrtle Bank, Glenunga and Highgate can access sprained ankle treatment in Adelaide at SA Running Injury Clinic.
Appointments are available online or over the phone at SA Running Injury Clinic. Please note we operate from two clinics.