The best ‘treatment’ for ankle sprains is taking preventative action, stopping them from happening in the first place and we’re really excited to be the exclusive supplier of the Exo-L ankle brace in Far North QLD. The Exo-L ankle brace was developed using the latest, cutting edge technology and is clinically proven to reduce the risk of ankle sprains in sport. Read more on the EXO-L ankle brace here. In the meantime, if you’ve already suffered a sprain, then we can provide professional support and assistance for recovery. Lateral ankle sprains are categorized according to the severity of damage that has occurred. The following is a brief description of the grading system and the signs/symptoms often associated with each:

Grade 1

• Slight stretching of the ligament fibres. Can sometimes have a mild tear however this does not cause any joint instability.
• Mild tenderness and swelling around the ankle. Patients can often walk on the ankle after a grade 1 sprain.

Grade 2

• Some tearing of the ligament fibres that leads to a reasonable amount of instability.
• Moderate – severe pain with any weight bearing on the ankle extremely difficult.
• Moderate – severe swelling around the foot/ankle.
• Poor balance when standing on that foot, even weeks after the injury.

Grade 3

• Complete and definite tearing of the ligaments on the outside of the ankle.
• Often associated with a fracture of the outside ankle bone and/or the bone down the outside of the foot.
• Severe swelling and bruising. Weight bearing on the foot/ankle is impossible.

As with all injuries, recovery time is dependent on the severity of the ankle sprain.The following is a prognostic grading system, used as a guide when estimating return to sport or activity:

• Grade 1: 1-3 weeks, depending how early Cairns ankle sprain treatment is initiated and the level of patient compliance.
• Grade 2: 4-6 weeks, again dependent on how early treatment is initiated.
• Grade 3: Varies significantly from 2 – 6 months, depending on whether surgery is required.

There are many risk factors associated with lateral ankles sprains. Some are biomechanical and some are external and can’t be controlled. Below is a list of the most common ankle sprain risk factors:

Biomechanical Risk Factors

• High arched foot type. It does not take much force to place this foot type into a rolled out position.
• Lower limb and hip weakness.
• Previous lower limb injury.
• Flexible foot and ankle.
• Overweight.

External Risk Factors

• Inappropriate footwear for your biomechanics.
• Direct trauma e.g. landing on some one’s foot when playing sport or a motor vehicle accident.
• Slippery or uneven terrain e.g. bush walking.

A thorough clinical examination/history will generally be sufficient to diagnose an ankle sprain. Depending on the severity of symptoms, you may be referred for an ultrasound or x-ray to determine the grade of the injury and to rule out any further pathology e.g. fractures.

Ankle sprains treatment Cairns can be divided up into two categories; acute rehabilitation to help reduce inflammation/the severity and strengthening, to reduce the risk of re-occurrence. The following is a list of the different Cairns ankle sprain treatment options available. Please note, as with most lower limb injuries, early treatment is the best form of treatment, as this reduces your risk of it turning into a chronic condition. Please note not all of these treatment techniques are used in every situation. Our Cairns ankle sprain treatment is delivered to suit each patient, dependent on the severity of the sprain and the risk factors involved.

• Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.
• Strapping/bracing.
• Immobilization moon boot to temporarily reduce pressure through the ankle.
• Crutches.
• Massage and joint mobilization to restore movement.
• Footwear modifications and or in-shoe custom orthotics.
• Anti-inflammatories.
• Exercises to help restore strength.
• Biomechanical correction e.g. improving running technique – this can be assessed accurately using our Cairns VALD Strength Testing.
• Surgery – rarely indicated unless grade 3.

Our clinics provide effective Ankle sprains treatment Cairns for a range of patients. So, if you or any of your friends or family are suffering from an ankle sprain, contact us today and we’ll get you on the road to recovery.