Ankle Sprains Walkerville
Treatment for Ankle Sprains Walkerville
What May Contribute to Ankle Sprains?
- Did the ankle sprain happen while playing sports such as basketball, netball, football, or soccer?
- Did your ankle roll after misjudging a step while walking or running?
- Did you notice a popping or cracking sound at the time of injury?
- Are you experiencing ankle stiffness, swelling, or bruising that makes walking uncomfortable?
At SA Running Injury Clinic, ankle sprains are a frequently assessed lower limb injury. An ankle sprain affects the ligaments surrounding the ankle joint and can occur when the foot rolls, twists, or lands awkwardly during movement or sport.
As previously noted, ankle sprains are often caused by runners or walkers misjudging a step or landing on an uneven surface. In sports, it commonly results from changing direction or landing on another player's foot.
Ankle Sprains Treatment
These injuries are often associated with walking or running on uneven ground, awkward stepping movements, or sporting activities involving rapid direction changes and jumping.
After an ankle sprain, symptoms may include swelling, stiffness, bruising, and discomfort when standing or walking. Temporary support such as a walking boot, strapping, or crutches may occasionally be used during the early stages of management. Some individuals may experience ongoing ankle instability or persistent ankle discomfort following injury, including presentations related to Sinus Tarsi Syndrome.
Rehabilitation for ankle sprains may involve the following phases of care and activity progression:
Phase One:
- RICER principles may be used during the early stages of ankle sprain management to assist with swelling and recovery.
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevation
Phase Two:
- Approaches focused on improving ankle mobility
- Massage
- Targeted stretching exercises to support mobility
Phase Three:
- Strengthen Muscle
- Exercise-based strengthening approaches for the calf, ankle, and foot region
Phase Four:
- Management approaches addressing foot posture and biomechanics
- 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
- Sport-specific exercises based on individual movement requirements
EXO-L Ankle Brace for Support and Rehabilitation
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.
Supportive Foot and Ankle Management Options
Using 3D scanning and printing technology, the EXO-L brace is designed to provide a customised fit suited to individual foot and ankle anatomy. Its lightweight design is commonly used by active individuals, including runners and court-sport athletes, to provide additional ankle support during movement. In eligible cases, the brace may be claimable through private health insurance under podiatry orthotic cover. Management plans may also include strengthening exercises, footwear recommendations, and gait assessment to support rehabilitation and activity participation.
Sprained Ankle Assessment and Rehabilitation at SA Running Injury Clinic
Ankle sprain treatment in Adelaide is available at SA Running Injury Clinic for individuals in 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.
SA Running Injury Clinic offers online and phone bookings for appointments at our two clinic locations.