Ankle Sprains Prospect
Treatment for Ankle Sprains Prospect
How Do Ankle Sprains Occur?
- Was your ankle injured during sport after landing awkwardly on another player’s foot?
- Did your ankle roll while walking or running after an awkward step?
- Did you notice a popping or cracking sound at the time of injury?
- Has swelling or bruising around the ankle made standing or walking difficult?
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.
Typically, as stated above, ankle sprains occur when a runner or walker misjudges a step or lands on an uneven surface. In sports, it happens due to sudden direction changes or landing on another competitor’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.
Early symptoms after an ankle sprain may include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty weight bearing, with some individuals requiring temporary support such as crutches, strapping, or a walking boot. In some cases, medical imaging may be required to assess for fractures. Ongoing ankle instability, stiffness, or persistent discomfort may also occur in some individuals following an ankle sprain, including conditions such as Sinus Tarsi Syndrome.
Our approach to ankle sprain rehabilitation may include these progressive management stages:
Phase One:
- Early ankle sprain management may involve RICER-based approaches to support recovery and manage swelling.
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevation
Phase Two:
- Support ankle mobility and range of motion
- Massage
- A structured stretching exercise program
Phase Three:
- Strengthen Muscle
- A strengthening program targeting the calf, ankle, and foot
Phase Four:
- Assessment and management of foot posture and biomechanics
- Foot posture and movement patterns, including excessive rolling inward or outward, may influence ankle loading and contribute to ankle-related symptoms.
Phase Five:
- Exercise-based rehabilitation aimed at supporting balance, coordination, and sport-specific movement
- Exercises designed around sport-specific movement patterns
Ankle Support and Management with the EXO-L Brace
Ankle sprains are a common injury presentation among runners and active individuals and may contribute to ongoing ankle instability or reduced activity participation for some people. At SA Running Injury Clinic, we may recommend the EXO-L ankle brace, a custom 3D-printed support designed to provide additional ankle support during movement and activity. The brace is intended to remain lightweight and supportive while allowing day-to-day mobility and participation in exercise or sport.
Supportive Foot and Ankle Management Options
The EXO-L ankle brace is produced using a custom 3D scanning and printing process to provide an individualised fit compatible with many athletic shoes. Designed for active individuals and sporting participation, the brace aims to provide additional ankle support while allowing day-to-day movement. Eligible patients may be able to claim the brace through private health insurance podiatry orthotic cover. Rehabilitation programs may also involve strengthening exercises, movement retraining, and footwear advice where clinically appropriate.
Sprained Ankle Assessment and Rehabilitation 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.
You can book an appointment at SA Running Injury Clinic online or over the phone. Please note we have two clinic locations.