Sprain - Symptoms
- Swollen ankle
- Unable to weight bear
- Pain in the outside of the ankle
Tips for Ankle Sprains
Acute injury management for the first 72 hours of RICE and avoid HARMRest
Ice
Compression
Elevation
and avoid
Heat
Alcohol
Re- injury ( i.e. running or exercise)
Massage
The Ottawa ankle rules apply for determining if you require a X-ray.
Any pain in the malleolar zone and any one of the following:
Bone tenderness along the distal 6 cm of the posterior edge of the tibia or tip of the medial malleolus, OR
Bone tenderness along the distal 6 cm of the posterior edge of the fibula or tip of the lateral malleolus, OR
An inability to bear weight both immediately and in the emergency department for four steps.
Additionally, the Ottawa foot rules indicate whether a foot X-ray series is required. It states that it is indicated if there is any pain in the midfoot zone and any one of the following:
Bone tenderness at the base of the fifth metatarsal (for foot injuries), OR
Bone tenderness at the navicular bone (for foot injuries), OR
An inability to bear weight both immediately and in the emergency department for four steps.
Instability
Symptoms
- Recurrent ankle sprain
- A feeling of instability of not trusting the ankle
Tips for Ankle Instability
- Strengthening and retraining balance