Lateral ankle sprains occur on the side of the ankle. This is mainly after an inwards or outward twist of the ankle.
Acute Phase: Days 1-3
Goals: Decrease pain and swelling, protect from further injury
- Pain and swelling management (Rest Ice Compress Elevate)
- Protection of injured ligaments (taping, splints, casting, walking boot etc.)
- Gait-Weight Bearing As Tolerated
Sub-Acute Phase: 2-4 days to 2 weeks
Goals: Decrease/eliminate pain, increase ROM, decrease swelling, increase strength
- Continue pain and swelling management
- Subtalar and talocrurcal joint mobilizations
- ROM with pain-free range: DF/PF/EV/IV AROM, calf stretching
- Increase weight bearing of affected extremity during gait
- Isometric strengthening
Rehabilitative Phase: 2-6 weeks
Goals: Regain ROM and strength, increase endurance and proprioception
- Continue joint mobilizations and stretching
- Progress to pain-free concentric and eccentric strengthening exercises (both open chain and closed chain)
- Proprioception exercises (balance board, BAPS board, single leg stance etc.)
- Gait training-promote equal weight beraing and weaning of assistive devices
- Endurance activities (stationary biking, swimming, walking, etc.)
Functional Phase: 6 weeks
Goals: Return to full activity and function
- Continue strengthening exercises
- Coordination and agility training-depends on patient's prior level of function, recreational activities, and goals
Lateral ankle sprains occur on the side of the ankle. This is mainly after an inwards or outward twist of the ankle.
Acute Phase: Days 1-3
Goals: Decrease pain and swelling, protect from further injury
- Pain and swelling management (Rest Ice Compress Elevate)
- Protection of injured ligaments (taping, splints, casting, walking boot etc.)
- Gait-Weight Bearing As Tolerated
Sub-Acute Phase: 2-4 days to 2 weeks
Goals: Decrease/eliminate pain, increase ROM, decrease swelling, increase strength
- Continue pain and swelling management
- Subtalar and talocrurcal joint mobilizations
- ROM with pain-free range: DF/PF/EV/IV AROM, calf stretching
- Increase weight bearing of affected extremity during gait
- Isometric strengthening
Rehabilitative Phase: 2-6 weeks
Goals: Regain ROM and strength, increase endurance and proprioception
- Continue joint mobilizations and stretching
- Progress to pain-free concentric and eccentric strengthening exercises (both open chain and closed chain)
- Proprioception exercises (balance board, BAPS board, single leg stance etc.)
- Gait training-promote equal weight beraing and weaning of assistive devices
- Endurance activities (stationary biking, swimming, walking, etc.)
Functional Phase: 6 weeks
Goals: Return to full activity and function
- Continue strengthening exercises
- Coordination and agility training-depends on patient's prior level of function, recreational activities, and goals