Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries among athletes. It is estimated that 23,000 sprains occur daily in the United States alone. Despite the frequency of this type of injury, there are misconceptions about optimal management, return to sport and prevention of future injuries.
So, we’re busting three common myths about ankle sprains:
Myth: All athletes should wear ankle braces to prevent sprains.
Braces help prevent sprains in athletes with previous sprains, but not necessarily in those without prior ankle injury.
There is no convincing evidence that bracing or taping a previously uninjured ankle will prevent a sprain. However, in athletes with a previous sprain, bracing during high-risk activity can help decrease the risk of recurrent sprain. In fact, bracing in combination with a rehabilitative exercise program is the best prevention technique in these athletes. Try a lace-up style brace for athletes with a history of a previous sprain who participate in high-risk sports including basketball, volleyball, soccer and football.
Myth: Ankle sprains should be treated with ACE wrapping and crutches for several days.
Early motion and rehabilitative exercises improve early function and return to sport. Traditional immobilization in a splint and use of crutches likely slow recovery and return to sport.
Icing and elevation in the first 3-4 days can help control swelling and pain. Walking boots may even be used in more severe injuries for pain control, protection and early weight bearing. However, beginning an early rehabilitative exercise program is key to an early recovery. This program should include range of motion, strengthening with resistance bands, balance/coordination activities and plyometric training. Balance/coordination training typically involves challenging the athlete’s ability to maintain balance while in a single-leg stance, and plyometrics includes jumping and landing tasks. These programs improve both short- and long-term function.
Myth: Sprains are minor injuries with no long-term problems.
Repeated sprains are associated with chronic ankle instability and the development of ankle arthritis.
It’s easy to think of these injuries as harmless, especially when in most cases the short-term recovery is routine and predictable. The fact is, however, that bad or recurrent sprains can result in long-term dysfunction and arthritis. Therefore, emphasizing appropriate bracing and rehabilitation after an initial injury can pay dividends for years. If you or your young athlete have developed chronic ankle problems, evaluation by a specialist is warranted.
