What is Ankle Sprain?
Frequent Asked Question (FAQ)
Q: Which ligaments are involved and in what sequence in a lateral ankle sprain?
A: A lateral ankle sprain injures the following, in order: anterolateral joint capsule, ATFL, and occasionally the CFL.
Q: What condition must be ruled out in an adolescent patient with a rigid flatfoot and recurrent ankle sprains?
A: Tarsal coalition (abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot)
Q: Which ligament provides primary static restraint to inversion injury with the ankle plantarflexed?
A: ATFL (Anterior talo-fibular ligament)
Q: What are appropriate initial treatments for acute ankle sprain?
A: RICE protocol, stirrup brace, early ambulation, and ROM (range of motion) exercises.
If you would like an appointment / review with our specialist for sprained ankle in singapore, the best way is to call +65 6664 8135 or click here to book an appointment at the clinic. If you would like to speak to one of our clinicians first then please contact feedback2@bone.com.sg or SMS/WhatsApp to +65 6664 8135
Rest assured that the best possible care will be provided for you.
Detailed (Medical) Description
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Acute sprains of the lateral ligaments about the ankle are the most common injury in sports and also occur commonly in the general population.
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Most commonly a partial tear or complete rupture of the ATFL occurs.
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More severe injuries include the CFL.
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Lateral ankle sprain results from an inversion mechanism.
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Classification:
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Grade I: Partial tear of the ligaments
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Grade II: Partial to complete tear of the ATFL, partial tear of the CFL
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Grade III: Complete rupture of the ATFL and CFL
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Ankle sprains cause sequential disruption of:
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Anterolateral joint capsule
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ATFL
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CFL
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Primary static restraints to ankle inversion injury:
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ATFL:
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Most commonly injured ankle ligament
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Primary restraint to inversion with ankle plantarflexed
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Torn in inversion, plantarflexion, and internal rotation
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CFL:
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Stabilizes ankle and subtalar joints
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Tears in inversion with ankle neutral or dorsiflexed
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Primary dynamic restraints:
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Peroneal tendons
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Epidemiology (Study & Analysis)
Incidence
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In the United States, ~27,000 of these injuries occur every day.
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Most common athletic injury
Risk Factors (Who are at risk?)
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Athletes
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Dancers
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Children with congenital tarsal coalition
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Cavovarus foot alignment
Etiology (Causes)
Diagnosis
Signs and Symptoms
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Pain, tenderness, and swelling over the lateral aspect of the ankle
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Often difficult to bear weight on extremity
History
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Mechanism of injury causing sprain:
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Inversion in plantarflexion: ATFL injury
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Inversion in dorsiflexion: CFL injury
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Physical Exam
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Tenderness and swelling are noted along the lateral aspect of the ankle inferior and anterior to the tip of the lateral malleolus.
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Perform manual strength testing of muscle groups, including the peroneal tendons.
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Assess the neurovascular status of the limb, including the superficial peroneal nerve that can sustain a stretching injury with inversion sprain.
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Assess the ligament stability of the ankle.
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Compare with the uninjured ankle.
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Anterior drawer test:
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Evaluates ATFL stability
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Holding the distal tibia firmly with one hand, place the other hand around the heel and displace the hindfoot anteriorly with the ankle in a neutral position.
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Inversion tilt test:
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Evaluates CFL stability
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Position ankle in neutral dorsiflexion.
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Stabilize distal tibia with 1 hand and apply inversion force to hindfoot with other hand.
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Tests
Imaging
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AP, lateral, and mortise radiographic views of the ankle are obtained.
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Rule out fracture, OCD of talus, or arthritic changes.
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CT is indicated if occult fracture or tarsal coalition is suspected.
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MRI:
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Rarely needed for acute ankle sprains
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Can be indicated if concomitant tendon tear is suspected
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Differential Diagnosis
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Fibular fracture
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Osteochondral fracture of the talar dome
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Peroneal tendon subluxation
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Congenital tarsal coalition
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Talar fracture
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Calcaneal fracture
Treatment for Ankle Sprain in Singapore
General Measures
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RICE protocol
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Partial weightbearing with crutches in the acute phase (first 7 days), which is advanced as tolerated to full weightbearing
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Stirrup ankle brace to facilitate early ambulation
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NSAIDs may help with pain.
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Gentle active ROM as tolerated is advised.
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For severe sprains, consider a formal strengthening and proprioception retraining program with physical therapy .
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Activity modification (rest, sports restriction) until strength returns
Special Therapy
Physical Therapy
Medication (Drugs)
Surgery
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Surgical repair of acute ankle ligament tear is rarely indicated.
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Primary repair of ATFL and CFL
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Surgery may be indicated for patients with recurrent instability.
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In such patients, repair of the lateral ankle ligaments or reconstruction with part of the peroneus brevis tendon usually is successful.
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Follow-up
Prognosis (likely course of a medical condition)
Complications
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OCD
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Recurrent sprains
Patient Monitoring
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Patients should show full strength and ROM before returning to sports.
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Functional bracing or taping during return to athletics may help prevent recurrence.
Activity
Prevention
Ankle Sprain FAQ
Ice: When you are still awake, immediately apply an ice pack or take an ice bath for 15 to 20 minutes, then repeat every two to three hours.
Compression: Applying pressure to the ankle with an elastic bandage will assist reduce swelling up until it goes away.
Elevation.
- Immediately following an injury, you are unable to fully bear weight or take more than four steps.
- If the colour of your foot is unusual for you and is discoloured.
- If you have persistent altered sensations after an injury.
If you would like an appointment / review with our specialist for sprained ankle in singapore, the best way is to call +65 6664 8135 or click here to book an appointment at the clinic. If you would like to speak to one of our clinicians first e.g. about ankle ligament surgery, ankle sprain surgery, then please contact feedback2@bone.com.sg or SMS/WhatsApp to +65 6664 8135
Rest assured that the best possible care will be provided for you.