The injury that occurs when a person "sprains" their ankle, more often than not, is to a ligament on the outside of the ankle that provides support to resist twisting or turning under of the ankle.  This ligament is called the anterior talo-fibular ligament.  This short and relatively thin ligament is easily damaged or torn when the ankle is sprained.  Further, once a ligament is damaged or torn from injury, its healing potential is very poor.  For that reason, once a person sprains their ankle, it is relatively easy to re-injure the ankle.

Physical therapists cannot restore the strength or integrity of the damaged ligament.  However, through our directed care, we can help to improve the strength of the surrounding musculature to minimize the potential for re-spraining the ankle, improve balance and coordination which also lessens the potential for re-injury, and provide care to minimize the affects of an acutely sprained ankle.

Bracing and taping ankles with the thought of preventing injury has been in practice for many years, but research has not shown this to be effective in the reduction of injury rate or severity of ankle sprains.  Research, however, has shown that sport specific balance, coordination and strengthening, exercises are effective in the reduction in severity and occurrence of ankle sprains.

Yours in health,

Matt