Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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+65 81535374 -
ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 08:00am - 8:00pm -
Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
Ankle Ligament Injury
What is an ankle ligament injury?
An ankle ligament injury, commonly known as a sprained ankle, occurs when one or more of the ligaments in the ankle are damaged. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bone to bone, and the ankle contains several that provide stability. When these ligaments are injured, it often results in pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Ankle ligament injuries are very common and are typically classified into three levels of severity:
- Grade 1 (Mild): Slight stretching or microscopic tearing of the ligament fibres. Symptoms include mild pain, minimal swelling, and little or no loss of ankle stability.
- Grade 2 (Moderate): Partial tearing of the ligament. Symptoms include moderate pain, swelling, bruising, and some loss of ankle stability, often making walking difficult.
- Grade 3 (Severe): Complete tear (rupture) of the ligament. Symptoms include significant pain, swelling, bruising, and major instability of the ankle, usually making weight-bearing very difficult.
What causes an ankle ligament injury?
Ankle ligament injuries are usually caused by trauma that stretches the ligaments beyond their normal range, leading to tearing. This can occur in two main ways:
- Inversion injury: The foot rolls inward, stretching or tearing the outer (lateral) ligaments of the ankle. This is the most common type of ankle sprain.
- Eversion injury: The foot rolls outward, putting stress on the inner (medial) ligaments. This type is less common but can be more severe.
What are the symptoms of an ankle ligament injury?
The symptoms of an ankle ligament injury typically appear immediately at the time of the injury and may include:
- Sudden pain at the site of the ligament damage
- Swelling around the ankle
- Bruising or discoloration
- Difficulty bearing weight or walking
- A feeling of instability or that the ankle may “give way”
Physiotherapy for an ankle ligament injury
Physiotherapy is highly effective in treating ankle ligament injuries. Initial treatment focuses on reducing pain and swelling, followed by rehabilitation to restore strength, stability, and normal function. Treatment may include:
- Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) to manage pain and swelling
- Manual therapy to restore joint mobility
- Strengthening exercises for the muscles around the ankle
- Balance and proprioception training to improve stability and prevent future injuries
- Taping or bracing to support the ankle during recovery
- Gradual return-to-activity or sports-specific exercises
Can an ankle ligament injury cause any long-term effects?
Most people with an ankle ligament injury can expect a full recovery with physiotherapy. In severe cases, such as a Grade 3 injury, the physiotherapist may suspect a fracture or dislocation, and you may be referred to your GP. In such cases, treatment and rehabilitation will take longer. Recurrent injuries may indicate underlying ankle instability, which in some cases could require surgery. Physiotherapy remains an important part of rehabilitation following surgery to restore strength, mobility, and function.
To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosports.com.
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