Ankle sprain: what is it, why does it happen and how is it treated?

Sprained ankle is one of the most common injuries in sportsmen and women as well as in everyday life. Although it is often considered mild, poorly treated sprains can lead to chronic instability, persistent pain and relapses..

What is an ankle sprain?

A sprain occurs when the ankle ligaments are stretched beyond their limit or are partially or completely torn. This is often caused by a wrong footing, tripping, a bad landing after a jump or a sprain.

How do you know if you have a sprained ankle?

• Acute pain in the lateral area of the ankle
• Visible swelling and even bruising
• Difficulty in standing or walking
• Feeling of weakness or instability

Grades of ankle sprains

• Grade I: Mild ligament strain. Mild pain and slight swelling.
• Grade II: Partial ligament tear. Moderate pain, obvious swelling and bruising.
• Grade III: Total ligament rupture. Intense pain, severe swelling and significant functional loss.

Treatment of sprains in our clinic

At our physiotherapy clinic in the Sierra of Madrid we apply a integral and personalised treatment that adapts to each phase of recovery:

Acute phase

• Pain and inflammation control by cryotherapy
• Partial immobilisation with functional bandaging o kinesiotaping
• Offloading and resting the affected foot

Sub-acute phase

• Manual therapy to reduce tension and oedema
• Diathermy (Medestec) to accelerate tissue regeneration
• Exercises on progressive mobility of the ankle

Active recovery phase

• Proprioceptive re-educationbalance and neuromuscular control
• Muscle strengthening to regain functionality
• Preventing future sprains or relapses

Why is it important to treat a sprain correctly?

A poorly healed ankle sprain can lead to chronic instability, persistent pain y functional limitations. In our clinic we not only treat the injury, but we also teach you how to strengthen the joint, prevent relapses and restore your mobility in a safe and lasting way.

Looking for treatment for a sprained ankle in Madrid?

We help you to recover safely, efficiently and close to you. Make an appointment with our professionals specialised in ankle physiotherapy and walks again without pain.