Dr. Jeanne van Straten
M.Tech Chiropractic (UJ)
With the Soccer World Cup 2018 well on the way in Russia, more patients are entering our practices with soccer-related injuries like an ankle sprain or a medial ankle sprain. These are primarily limited to the legs due to direct contact or overuse of the muscles, ligaments or tendons but you can also have injuries to the shoulders, neck and back.
Ankle sprains are the most common injuries of soccer injuries, however, knee injuries have also been noted, especially when there was contact by accidental tripping or collision between two players.
Ankle sprains happen when the ankle ligaments are pulled or stretched when force is applied to the ankle in an abnormal position. It can occur on the medial or inside of the ankle or as a lateral ankle sprain or outside of the ankle and can be classified as minor (Grade 1 sprain) which can be treated at home with rest, ice and anti-inflammatory medication for the injured ankle. Moderate (Grade 2 sprain) or severe (Grade 3 sprain) are where ligaments or ankle ligaments are torn. This will cause severe bruising and swelling and you will have trouble placing weight on the leg or even walking. With Grade 3 sprains, medical intervention is required.
Directly after any ankle injury or ankle sprain, it is best to rest the ankle and decrease any inflammation.
The pseudonym RICE is used to remember easily:
R: Rest the ankle by not walking or standing on it.
I: Ice the ankle to decrease swelling in the area.
C: Compress the ankle by strapping it (not too tight) to immobilise the area.
E: Elevate the ankle to the level of the heart to help with drainage in the first 2 days.
With Grade 2 and Grade 3 sprains, crutches are often recommended to prevent further injury to the ankle.
Grade 1 sprain takes only a few days to heal and you will be able to compete again within 2 to 4 weeks of this injury.
Grade 2 sprains heal within 6 to 9 weeks from injury
Grade 3 sprains may take months and depends on the rehabilitation process and the athlete.
Mobilisation: After swelling has gone down, light mobility exercises are recommended to heal ankle sprains. Your Chiropractor will be able to mobilise each joint in the ankle and foot and assist in improved movement of musculature, ligaments and joints.
Strengthening: When stiffness in the ankle abated and you are able to walk or stand without tension, strengthening exercises will be added to improve ankle strength after ankle sprains.
Proprioception and Balance: Proprioception is very important, especially to prevent future injuries or recurring ankle sprains. Exercises can be provided by your chiropractor for foot and ankle injuries. By applying gentle manipulative techniques to the ankle, the nerve in the area stimulates the proprioceptive abilities of the ankle and aid in the rehabilitation of ankle sprains and soccer injuries.
A chiropractor can help you heal when ankle sprains occur. This will reduce pain and speed up your recovery. Research supports the use of chiropractic to treat ankle sprains and recurrent ankle sprains. One study found that patients suffering from ankle sprains felt less pain after chiropractic was added to their treatment plan.