Preventing Ankle Sprains

Featuring: Jody Wiebe, BSc, MPT, Physiotherapist

Duration: 1 minute, 30 seconds

An ankle sprain is when the ligaments, the supporting structures of the ankle joint, are stretched or torn. They can be partially torn as well as fully torn.

The most typical ankle sprain in soccer as well as for other sports is an inversion or lateral ankle sprain, so rolling out onto the ankle. When that happens the lateral ligaments, the ligaments on the outside of the ankle are stretched or torn.

It's often associated with a lot of pain on the lateral ankle as well as swelling and bruising. There can also be pain on the inside of the ankle with an inversion ankle sprain or a lateral ankle sprain because the ankle bone as well as the foot bones can be compressed during that rolling out motion.

In the first 48 to 72 hours following an ankle injury, it's important to follow the RICE protocol, so rest, ice, getting ice right on the ankle for 15 to 20 minutes multiple times throughout the day, compression, so wrapping it with a light tensor to minimize additional swelling, and elevation, so getting that ankle elevated kind of above body height.

Ankle sprains due to soccer as well as other sports do happen in children but it's less common than it is in older adolescents and adults. Depending on the severity of the ankle sprain, it may be necessary to have an X-ray done to rule out an ankle fracture. For that reason, it's important to see you physiotherapist and your doctor to be properly assessed.

Presenter: Ms. Jody Wiebe, Physiotherapist, Surrey, BC

Local Practitioners: Physiotherapist