Treatment for rolled ankle sprain, also known as an inversion ankle sprain, is essential as it is one of the most common ankle injuries, particularly in sports and physical activities. It occurs when the foot twists inward, damaging the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle. While many acute ankle sprains heal with rest and home care, more severe injuries benefit from physical therapy to ensure a full recovery and to prevent chronic ankle instability. This blog will guide you through what to expect from physical therapy and how it aids in healing a rolled ankle sprain.
Understanding Ankle Sprains
An ankle sprain happens when the ligaments, which connect bones and stabilize the joint, are overstretched or torn. There are three grades of sprains:
- Grade 1 involves mild stretching of the ligament with minor sprains and swelling.
- Grade 2 is a partial tear, often resulting in moderate pain, swelling, and bruising.
- Grade 3 is a complete tear, leading to severe pain, significant swelling, and an unstable joint (Mayo Clinic Health System)(ChoosePT).
The treatment plan largely depends on the severity of the injured ankle, with more severe sprains requiring a longer recovery time and more extensive rehabilitation to return to normal activities.
Why Physical Therapy is Essential for Ankle Sprain Recovery
While rest and the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) are critical in the initial phase of recovery, physical therapy plays a key role in restoring mobility, strength, and balance to prevent long-term issues like chronic ankle instability or repeat sprains (Mayo Clinic Health System)(ChoosePT). Physical therapy not only accelerates healing but also ensures that you regain full range of motion and strength, reducing the risk of future ankle sprains.
In cases of Grade 2 and Grade 3 sprains, where ligaments are either partially or completely torn, physical therapy can help avoid the need for surgical intervention by guiding the body through controlled exercises and balance exercises (ChoosePT).
What to Expect During Physical Therapy for a Rolled Ankle
A typical physical therapy program for a rolled ankle involves:
- Initial Assessment: Your physical therapist will evaluate the severity of your injury and determine the appropriate treatment plan. This might include range of motion tests and an assessment of your gait to identify any limitations or compensatory movements (ChoosePT).
- Treatment Plans: Depending on your injury’s severity, the therapist may use a combination of hands-on therapy, modalities like ultrasound, and a structured exercise program to strengthen the ankle (OrthoInfo).
- Pain Management and Swelling Reduction: Early therapy often includes treatments to reduce swelling and manage pain, such as icing, gentle massage, or electrical stimulation (ChoosePT).
- Gradual Reintroduction of Movement: Physical therapists will help you gradually regain your range of motion through controlled exercises like ankle circles or alphabet tracing with your foot (ChoosePT).
Key Exercises for Ankle Sprain Recovery
During therapy, specific exercises will be introduced to improve flexibility, strength, and balance:
- Ankle Circles: Rotating the foot in circular motions to restore flexibility.
- Resistance Band Exercises: Strengthening the ligaments and muscles around the ankle with bands.
- Calf Raises: Improving strength and balance by raising onto the toes while standing (ChoosePT).
These exercises help prevent stiffness, strengthen the muscles supporting the ankle, and improve proprioception (your body’s sense of positioning), which is essential for preventing future ankle sprains (ChoosePT).
Type of Ankle Sprain and Recovery Time
Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the sprain:
- Grade 1 sprains typically heal in 1-2 weeks with rest and mild rehabilitation.
- Grade 2 sprains may take 4-6 weeks, requiring more extensive physical therapy.
- Grade 3 sprains often need several months of therapy and recovery (Mayo Clinic Health System).
Throughout this process, it’s crucial to follow your physical therapist’s advice to avoid setbacks, ensuring the ligaments heal properly and that you can return to your daily activities.
Prevention of Ankle Sprains
Once you’ve healed, your therapist will guide you through motion exercises aimed at preventing future ankle sprains. This may include balance exercises, proprioception drills, and strengthening exercises focused on the entire lower leg. Wearing supportive footwear and warming up properly before physical activity can also help reduce the risk of re-injury (OrthoInfo).
Physical Therapy Treatment at Restoracare
Recovering from an ankle sprain can be challenging, but Restoracare’s expert team of physiotherapists is here to guide you through every step. Our customized physiotherapy programs focus on helping you regain mobility and strength, preventing future injuries, and ensuring you return to your normal activities safely. Whether you’re recovering from an acute or chronic ankle sprain, our tailored programs address pain management, flexibility, and strength building to reduce the risk of chronic ankle instability. Visit our Physiotherapy and Exercise Rehabilitation services page to learn more.
