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Rehabilitation of Sprained Ankles

Many different types of rehabilitation exercises can be done to aid an ankle sprain regardless of the severity of the injury. The purpose of rehabilitation gives the ability for the ankle to regain strength and flexibility. A sprained ankle becomes swollen due to the increased amount of edema within the tissue, since this physiological effect is the foundation of the pain the decline of edema is the main goal during the beginning of rehabilitation . This can be done instantly by implementing the RICE mechanism which is resting the ankle, applying ice, compressing, and elevating it . The emphasis of the first week of rehabilitation should be on protecting the ankle to avoid further damage and as progression increases stress can be applied by different mechanisms until the ankle is fully recovered . The key for a fast recovery is to implement all the different types of ankle sprain exercises so the range of motion will increase while the pain will decrease . In the case that the ankle doesn’t heal in an appropriate amount of time, other exercises will need to be implemented so the strength and flexibility can be regained. Physical therapists assign different types of ankle sprain exercises that deal with ankle flexibility, strengthening, balance, and agility.

Flexibility exercises

Example of a flexibility exercise is a [towel stretch] and writing the alphabet with toes which will increase the range of motion.

Strengthening exercises

Ankle strengthening exercises are step ups and walking on toes which will strengthen the muscles around the swollen area.

Balance exercises

Balance exercises include the use of a wobble board which help the whole body function together. The use of wobble boards have shown to produce significantly positive results in gaining proper balance compared to not using it

Agility exercises

Plyometrics exercises such as [squat jumps] and power skipping are implemented so the ankle can regain agility.