This is one of the most common sporting injuries that we encounter at The Reform Lab Osteopathy. However, an ankle injury does not only occur in the sporting population. Anyone can suffer an ankle sprain, with as little as stepping off the curb or uneven ground on a walk or hike. The sporting population however, are by far the most prevalent for these injuries. Sports that require sudden change of direction, landing or collision with other athletes can result in an ankle sprain. Australian rules football, soccer, basketball, netball, tennis and hockey are the most common sports that present with these injuries. However, the high level ballet and dancing athlete is also a population that presents for ankle sprain treatment and rehabilitation. These athletes require an amazing amount of strength and mobility to do movements many can only dream of.

The ankle joint or talocrural joint is a hinge joint made up of the two lower leg bones (tibia and fibula), and the dome of the talus (foot bone). These bones are supported by ligaments and structures at the front, back and sides of the joint. Furthermore, the joint is dynamically supported via the muscles which run and cross the joint attaching into the foot. The muscles in the result of injury and pain/ swelling, suffer with inhibition which leads to weakness and biomechanical faults. The reduced ability of the muscles to function post injury, is one major reason individuals suffer with chronic and recurrent ankle instability. In addition to the talocrural joint being affected, the subtalar joint of the foot/ankle is also heavily involved in ankle sprain injuries. The subtalar joint sits underneath the talus bone and the calcaneus (heel bone), it plays its role in rotation of the foot. These movements being inversion and eversion of the foot. The movements of the subtalar joint are positions of the ankle that often determine what anatomical structures are injured, based off the mechanism of injury.

Lateral Ligament Sprain

The most common ankle injury is one involving the lateral ligaments. Often these ankle sprains are simply known as lateral ankle sprains. The lateral ankle ligament complex is made up of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), and the posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL). The ATFL is the most commonly injured ligament, which is commonly torn in inversion ankle sprains, where the foot is also positioned in plantarflexion (foot pointed down). The CFL ligament is commonly torn alongside the ATFL, however rarely is injured in isolation. Similarly, the PTFL is rarely injured in isolation and commonly is injured alongside other structures.

Medial Ligament Sprain (Deltoid Ligament)

The deltoid ligament is a strong tissue complex composed of multiple ligaments that help prevent eversion of the ankle. The medial ankle ligament complex is rarely injured as a result of its strong anatomy and the overall anatomy of talocrural joint. However, it is possible to be involved in injury and therefore, is always a site we at The Reform Lab Osteopathy assess and rehabilitate.

How common are ankle sprains?

We have data from the US, which reports that roughly there are 2 million ankle sprains a year. However, these numbers are probably under reported when we know that 40% of individuals do not seek treatment for a lateral ankle sprain! Lateral ankle sprains are by far the most common, with them representing 75% of cases. Ankle injuries have a huge chance of recurrence and an alarming 40% ankle sprains progress to chronic ankle instability! A review in 2016, found that lateral ankle sprains contributed to 80% of post-traumatic arthritis.

These alarming stats are why you should seek expert rehabilitation inside an elite facility that we can provide at The Reform Lab Osteopathy. With 40% of lateral ankle sprains progressing to chronic ankle instability, rehabilitation is essential. Furthermore, as just highlighted post-traumatic arthritis to the ankle is common. The unfortunate subsequent event to this, often is an ankle fusion operation. With osteopathy, our Brisbane osteopaths can provide you expert care and rehabilitation to reduce the risk significantly to these unfortunate events.

Syndesmosis Injury - High Ankle Sprain

The high ankle sprain or syndesmosis injury is very common in contact sports like Australian rules football or rugby. The mechanism of injury often involves the planted ankle in dorsiflexion, whilst an opposing player puts weight under the ankle forcing it into eversion. You will almost always see this athlete grab their shin or higher up in the ankle. Syndesmosis injuries commonly occur with fractures of the lower leg bones, and at times require surgical fixation if determined to be unstable. However, syndesmosis injuries graded 1 & 2 have a good prognosis with conservative care. Osteopathy at The Reform Lab Osteopathy is the location where you can get comprehensive care and advice to determine your best treatment options.

The Syndesmosis role is to anatomically hold the tibia and fibula bones together in their anatomical location. Studies have shown that even as small as a 1mm shift laterally, affects the stability significantly of the ankle mortise. This can lead to a decrease in 42% of the tibiotalar articulation! For optimal talocrural joint function to occur, an intact syndesmosis is crucial. If you believe you have suffered a high ankle sprain, then you must ensure you book in to see our Brisbane osteopaths, so you can get the best care.

Why The Reform Lab Osteopathy for ankle treatment?

We not only go to the lengths to be fully educated about these injuries and how even a minor ankle sprain can lead to chronic ankle instability, but we have some of the best rehabilitation facilities in not only Brisbane but Australia. Our gym is fully equipped, so that your rehab and recovery will not be limited. We also are passionate about returning you to sports and functional activities both strong and confident in your ankle. We do not only want you to feel better, we want you to live and function better!