The lateral ankle ligaments are the most commonly injured ligaments of the ankle. The lateral ankle ligaments are the Anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), the Calcaneo-Fibular Ligament (CFL) and the Posterior Talo-Fibular Ligament (PTFL). One or a combination of these ligaments can be injured at different severities in an inversion or supination ankle sprain which is usually the result of a forced inversion/plantarflexion movement. Even though the lateral ankle ligament injuries are generally benign, there can be residual symptoms following it for anything between 6 weeks to 18 months if the rehabilitation is inadequate. Those who experience repetitive ankle sprain are likely to have functional and/or mechanical instability which in turn increase the probability of re-injury rates.
Lateral ankle ligament injuries can be complex and there can be more than just a ligament injury in some cases. These complex injuries are out of the scope of this blog, if you have an ankle injury it is advisable to see a Health Care Professional for specific guidance on your injury, our expert Physiotherapy team are here to help you.
The common symptoms for lateral ankle ligament injuries are:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness to touch over the lateral aspect of the ankle
- Pain at rest and with weight bearing
- Feeling of instability of the ankle
Injuries to the lateral ankle ligaments can be graded depending on your clinical presentation, this will determine the estimated rehabilitation time frame which can be expected. Everybody is different; therefore, these estimated time frames are a rough guide. The time frames that can be expected are 2 – 4 weeks for a mild (grade 1), 3 – 8 weeks for a moderate (grade 2) and unto 4 months for a severe (grade 3) injury.
We have put together an ankle rehab series that will demonstrate the types of exercises that can be completed at each stage of your recovery and rehabilitation. Progressions through the rehabilitation should be determined off your current capacity to tolerate the load and ensure graded exposure to increasingly demanding exercises / activities. Our expert Physiotherapy team will ensure that your rehabilitation is specific to you and work towards your desired goals. Â If youÂ’d like to watch our ankle rehab series all you need to do is follow us on social media:
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If you believe you may be suffering from an ankle injury or any kind of pain/condition, why not book a FREE 15-minute discovery visit with a physio?
In this complimentary visit you will have a chance to speak to us about your needs/and or condition/concerns and we will let you know if physio is right for you. To book an appointment or a discovery visit, call us on: 0207 636 8845