Ankle injuries

“Rolling” or “spraining” an ankle can be complicated when you realise that 6 months down the line you are still experiencing symptoms from the original accident.

What happens when I sprain my ankle?

There are a variety of different injuries that can occur given the number of structures around the ankle joint (bone, tendon, muscle, ligament, etc), however, injuring your anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) is quite a common one.

Your ATFL sits on the lateral (outside) aspect of your ankle and its job is to stabilise the joint. An injury to this ligament occurs when you invert the foot (twist it inwards) to the point where you have overstretched the ligament itself.

How bad is it?

This will depend on the extent of the injury. Usually, it will be classified into three categories:

• Grade I: no tear of the ATFL but it has been overstretched
• Grade II: partial tear of the ATFL
• Grade III: complete tear of the ATFL

How do I make it better?

As the first point of call, it may be a good idea to apply the RICE treatment protocol- rest, ice, compress and elevate. See a physiotherapist so you know the extent of your injury and how best to rehabilitate your injury.

Please contact Lifecare Joondalup Physiotherapy on 9301 4711 if you would like to book an appointment or find out more information.