J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2014 Feb;49(1):7-12. 10.4055/jkoa.2014.49.1.7.

Conservative Management of Ankle Sprains

• Kim HJ

• KMID: 2185240
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.2014.49.1.7

Abstract

Ankle sprains are the most common sports related lower extremity injuries. Lateral ankle sprains are most common in ankle sprains. The staged treatment is recommended for the acute lateral ankle sprain. First treatment for acute ankle sprains focuses on control of pain and swelling: protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (PRICE) is a well-established protocol for treatment of acute ankle injury. The second phase of treatment is allowed ankle range of motion (ROM) with stirrup brace and the third phase is the exercises which increase ROM and muscle strength around the ankle joint. Adequate treatment for acute lateral ankle sprain can prevent the occurrence of chronic lateral ankle instability. The chronic lateral ankle instabilities have two categories: function instability and anatomical instability. Functional exercise for improving proprioception and strength of peroneal muscle is the first line treatment for chronic lateral ankle instabilities instead of early surgery. Early functional exercises could improve the ankle function, protect the repeated ankle after acute lateral ankle sprain, and improve the symptoms of chronic lateral ankle instabilities.

Keyword

ankle; sprain; conservative management

MeSH Terms

Ankle Injuries*
Ankle Joint
Ankle*
Braces
Exercise
Ice
Lower Extremity
Muscle Strength
Muscles
Proprioception
Range of Motion, Articular
Sports
Sprains and Strains
Ice

Figure

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  Figure 1 Photograph of single limb heel raise exercise.

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  Figure 2 Photograph of functional exercise for acute ankle sprain. (A) Range of motion exercise using a towel, (B) toe raise exercise, (C) heel raise exercise, (D) eversion tubing exercise, (E) forward lunge exercise, (F) single leg balance exercise, (G) tandem stance.

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  Figure 3 Photograph of balancing exercise for chronic functional ankle instability. (A) Multidirectional exercise using a balance board, (B) squat exercise with triangle board, (C) cycling.

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