
What
is a Sprained
Ankle?
The damage
of soft tissue
and ligaments
surrounding
the ankle characterizes
a sprained ankle.
The position
of the bones
around the ankle
makes it very
susceptible
to inversion
injury this
is when the
ankle becomes
twisted inwards.
Eversion injury
is also possible
which is when
the ankle becomes
twisted outwards.
Due to excessive
twisting, lateral
ligaments outside
the ankle are
overstretched
or damaged.
Sprained ankles
are common amongst
rugby players.
There are three
ligaments that
are usually
damaged
in a ankle sprain.
The Anterior
Talo Fibular
ligament or
ATF is the most
common ligament
involved in
a sprained ankle
since it attaches
both the fibular
bone and talus
bone. The Calcaneo
Fibular ligament
which attaches
the Calcaneus
(heel) and Fibula
(lower leg)
becomes involved
and damaged
if the force
or trauma to
the ankle is
greater. The
Posterior Talo
Fibular or PTF
ligament is
involved if
the force or
trauma is very
severe.
Sprained ankles
are categorized
according to
the extent and
severity of
the damage.
• First
degree ankle
sprains involve
only a few damaged
ligament fibres.
Mild or moderate
pain is experienced
by the rugby
player upon
turning or touching
the affected
foot.
• Second
degree ankle
sprains involve
more damage
to the ligament
as well as pain
and swelling
in the area
which hinders
normal walking.
• Third
degree ankle
sprains involve
swelling, dislocation
of the joint
as well as rupture
of the ligament
completely.
The ankle may
appear deformed.
Bone injury
is not uncommon
during very
severe trauma.
Avulsion fracture
(tendon or ligament
pulls off a
piece of the
bone) may be
present at times.
Treatment
During the
initial stages
it is recommended
that ice packs
are applied
for twenty minutes
every two hours
in order to
reduce pain
and swelling.
Reusable plastic
cast walkers
and ankle supports
provide support
and compression.
In the case
of second and
third degree
sprained ankles,
it is recommended
that individuals
use crutches
to avoid putting
too much pressure
on the affected
joints.

Reusable
hot and cold
pack
Throughout
the treatment
regimen, individuals
will be asked
to slowly add
weight to the
affected ankle
by walking which
increases strength
of the ankle
ligaments. Recurrent
sprained ankles
can indicate
chronic and
internal weakness
in which surgery
may be required.
Ultrasound is
one of the common
diagnostic procedures
before surgery.
With the use
of a small camera
inserted into
the ankle, bone
flakes and scar
tissues can
be removed to
permanently
remove pain
and stabilize
the joint.
Prevention
Tips
Sports insoles
are ideal to
prevent ankle
sprains while
playing rugby.
Pro-prioception
exercises are
very effective
since these
help individuals
catch their
balance when
doing strenuous
physical activities.
The joint becomes
more stabilized
through increased
awareness and
response by
the person.
Wobble boards
and ankle braces
are common tools
used to improve
overall strength,
reflex and stability
of the ankle
joint. Taping
and bracing
the ankle are
also very effective
methods which
reinforce the
joint during
sports.
   
5 Star Rating

Dr
Foot Sport Insoles
are engineered
to combat over
pronation and
provide greater
stability maximum
support. Ideal
for patients
seeking arch
support for
prevention and
treatment of
ankle sprains.
View
Dr Foot Sports
Insoles
Rugby
Rescue Recommends
Ankle Supports
 
View
Ankle Supports
Ankle strapping
is intended
to strengthen
the internal
and external
ligaments which
hold the tibio-fubular
mortise (ankle
joint) in place.
These supports
stimulate a
strapping technique.
The flexible
straps are fitted
beneath the
heel, in the
direction of
the joint and
push from the
bottom to the
top which locks
the ankle tendons.
Lateral movement
(twisting the
ankle towards
the outside)
is prohibited
and other movements
remain intact.
A fine perforated
neoprene allows
transpiration.
These supports
are ideal for
footballers
that suffer
from twisting
the ankle joint.
Darco
Pro Walker
If you have
a severe ankle
sprain (it is
not possible
to put any weight
on your ankle)
or a fracture
of the ankle,
we would recommend
the Darco Pro
Walker.
View
Removable cast
protection and
support for
foot fractures
and sprains
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