Signs or Symptoms

Swelling, bruising and pain around the ankle following a sudden twisting injury.

Description

Injury occurs when the ankle is twisted inward, and the outer, or lateral, ligaments are stretched too far. As these ligaments are stretched further than normal, some may tear causing the pain associated with ankle sprains.

Causes

Sudden twisting injury as in landing on the side of your foot or slipping off of a curb.

Standard treatment

Rest, ice, taping. If the ligaments are totally torn then surgery to repair or a cast may be needed

AK Approach

The adage once a sprain always a sprain has been proven wrong. In a sprain of the ankle, many of the supporting ligaments, muscles, and skin become damaged. Treatment begins by assessing exactly which structures have been injured and then directing appropriate therapy to those injured structures. The second phase of therapy is to reestablish normal muscle coordination and strength. Again, there are a number of different techniques that can be used. Testing is used to prepare a specific program for your needs.