A Minor Sprain is No Big Deal, Right? Wrong!

In our outpatient physical therapy office, I see ankle sprains frequently, almost every week in fact. Those patients typically seek care for a severe sprain that is not healing or for repeat sprains.

Very few people seek any treatment for a first-time sprain. They have heard that simple sprains need only icing, strapping, and rest. Plus, most people feel that a few days of “hobbling” around on a “minor” sprained ankle is not a problem. Or is it?

The pain does tend to reduce within a week and most people are back to their normal activities within 15 days.

Until the next sprain occurs on the same ankle within a period of 6 months to 1 year.

Why Does One Sprain Lead to Others

Why does that happen? Well, ankle sprains are actually ligament tears. They are categorized into various types depending on the extent of the tear. So let’s discuss what happens when a ligament tears…however small the tear may be.

The main function of any ligament is to protect a joint from dislocating. They are constantly being tugged and pulled in different directions depending on what the joint is doing. Secondly, there are small sensory receptors in the ligament linings and joint linings which help in maintaining correct alignment and posture.

If a ligament tears, it makes the corresponding joint (in our case, the ankle) unstable. It also begins to send poor and inaccurate messages about posture and alignment. Instead of letting the body know that the ground being stepped on is a little uneven, a previously injured ligament will not properly relay this message, putting the joint at risk for injury.

Scar Tissue Makes an Ankle Weaker

Typically any ligament tear takes anywhere between 4-6 weeks to heal and this can be particularly risky for the ankle joint because it is a weight-bearing joint. Even once healed, the ligament that was torn can heal with unhealthy scar tissue, which is not as strong as the original tissue.

Therefore, in all likelihood, even if the pain is no longer present, you are walking around and doing activities on an unhealed ligament. This situation can result in further damage and, because of reducing balance, create a ‘perfect storm’ that predisposes to another sprain.

Here’s the Solution!

Physical therapists examine all ankle sprains, from minor to major, and provide an appropriate program of care depending upon the clinical signs and symptoms present. This approach helps in preventing ankle re-injuries.

Physical therapists ensure that ankle flexibility and muscle strength are maintained throughout the healing process which helps in laying down healthy scar tissue along with the ligament tear which is almost as strong as the original one.

Physical therapists also help in gait and balance training which rejuvenate the injured sensory receptors in the ligament linings. This is turn helps with accurate processing between the receptors and the brain. In other words, you’ll have a joint that is as ‘smart’ as it was before it was injured!

Research studies have shown that good rehabilitation that occurs after any kind of ankle sprain always prevents re-injuries and associated problems. Whether you’ve recently had a mild sprain, severe sprain or you suffer from repeated ankle sprains, consider coming in for physical therapy evaluation. I’ll let you know what is required to restore your ankle to optimal functioning. We are here to help and are happy to offer you a free initial health analysis.