What is a Lateral Ankle Sprain
A lateral ankle sprain is a very common injury that occurs when the foot rolls underneath the ankle or leg (see picture below)
Causes of a Lateral Ankle Sprain
An inversion ankle injury is an acute injury that results in landing on the ankle in an inverted position.
The risk of an ankle inversion injury is increased with:
- Specific sporting activities (basketball, soccer, netball)
- Previous ankle sprains
- Hypermobile joints
- High arched foot
- Metatarsus adductus foot posture
- Long feet
- Poor non supportive footwear
Diagnosis of a Lateral Ankle Sprain
Diagnosis is usually based or symptoms and a complete assessment of your foot and ankle.
X-ray and CT scans can help determine any injuries to bones
Ultrasound and MRI are beneficial when investigating the soft tissues. When examining a lateral ankle sprain after the initial inflammation has settled, typically the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) will appear thickened.
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Classification
Typically ligaments are injured after an ankle sprain – for a complete list of the structures that can be impacted see the next section.
Ligament injury is based on the following:
Grade 1: Stretching, small tears
Grade 2: Larger partial tear
Grade 3 Complete tear
Treatment of Lateral Ankle Sprain
Treatment will depend on the structures affected (click below for more information)
Typically treatment will involve RICE
R- rest
I – ice
C – compression
E- elevation
Other treatments can include:
- CAM walkers (Moon Boots)
- Lace up ankle bracing
- Rehabilitation exercises with a strengthening program
- More supportive shoes
- Surgery
- Modulign Orthotics with a lateral rearfoot post – Click for more information
Structures injured with an Lateral Ankle Sprain
Structures that are commonly involved with a lateral ankle sprain are the:
Anterior talo-fibular ligament (ATFL) – Click for more information
Structures that can also be injured although not as common:
- Anterior Process of the Calcaneum Fracture – Click for more information
- Peroneal Tendons – Click for more information
- Calcaneo-fibular ligament- Click for more information
- Ankle Sydesmosis (Anterior Tibio-fibular ligament) – Click for more information
- Ankle Sydesmosis injury (Posterior Tibio-fibular ligament) – Click for more information
- Fibular fracture – Click for more information
- Avulsion fracture of the fibular- Click for more information
- Avulsion fracture of the 5th metatarsal– Click for more information
- Avulsion fracture of the talus- Click for more information
- Osteochondral lesion of the talus – Click for more information
- Bifurcate ligament injury – Click for more information
- Sinus Tarsi pain – Click for more information
The Ankle, Foot and Orthotic Centre’s Northcote Podiatrists can help you with all lower limb complaints, including Ankle Sprain Make an appointment to get your foot and ankle pain under control.
Expert Podiatrists for the treatment of Ankle Sprain servicing the areas of Northcote, Thornbury, Fitzroy, North Fitzroy, Carlton, North Carlton, Alphington, Fairfield, Brunswick, Coburg and Preston
Call The Ankle and Foot Centre in Northcote for further advice on professional management and treatment options.
