Initially, treatment in the first 48 to 72 hours consists of resting the ankle, icing 15 to 20 minutes every two to three hours, compressing with an ACE wrap, and elevating, which means positioning the leg and ankle so that the toes are above the level of patient’s nose. Those patients who cannot bear weight are better treated in a removable walking boot and crutches until they can comfortably bear weight.
The goal would be
1.Pain relief: Using IFC, Ice, heat, Ultrasound, Laser, Ankle brace, crutches.
2. Increase range of motion: Manual therapy to improve tissue flexibility and mobility in the joint.
3.Increase strength: Progressive strengthening program.
4.Increase balance, proprioception and endurance.
5. Gait training.
6.Return back to functional activities.
7. Agility training if appropriate and as needed.
Physiotherapy treatment depends on the stages of recovery and they are as below. Usually an ankle sprain takes 6 weeks up to a period of 4 months depending on the severity of the injury.
1. Maximum protection phase: Goal is to reduce pain, decrease swelling.
2. Moderate protection phase: Goal to improve mobility, improve strength, and gait training.
3. Minimal protection phase: Advance level of exercises where the goal is to improve endurance, strength, agility and back to functional level.