Ouch! One dodgy step, and your ankle’s throwing a right strop. Here at Elite Performance Therapy, we understand how a sprained ankle can put a damper on your day, whether you’re chasing a ball or just navigating the high street. Now that we’ve brought our expertise to the UK, we’re here to help you understand what’s going on with your ankle, the different types of sprains, and our top tips to get you hopping back to your old self . Let’s dive in and see how Elite Performance Therapy can help you kick that pain to the kerb!
What’s an Ankle Sprain Anyway?
An ankle sprain happens when the ligaments – those tough, stretchy bands that keep your ankle bones snug – get overstretched or torn. Think of them as the elastic in your favourite tracksuit bottoms, holding everything in place. A quick twist, roll, or misstep (like tripping off a pavement or landing awkwardly) can set things off. You’ll likely feel pain, see some swelling, and maybe even have a limp. Here at Elite Performance Therapy, we’re here to help you understand what’s causing the fuss and get you moving again.
Three Types of Ankle Sprains
Not all sprains are created equal! Here’s the lowdown on the three main types, courtesy of Elite Performance Therapy:
- Inversion Sprain: The most common, where your foot rolls inward, stretching or tearing the outer ligaments. Think of that classic moment when you roll your ankle during a jog or netball game.
- Eversion Sprain: Less frequent, this happens when your foot twists outward, tweaking the inner ligaments. This type of injury often shows up in high-energy sport like basketball.
- High Ankle Sprain: A bit trickier, this one involves the ligaments between your shin bones, often caused by a twist when your foot’s flexed, like in rugby or hockey tackles.
Whatever type you’re dealing with, Elite Performance Therapy is ready to guide you back to action.
Ankle Sprain vs. Other Pains
However, not every ankle injury is a sprain! Sprains bring pain, swelling, and bruising, especially when you try to walk or pivot. But, if the pain feels deep in the bone or you can’t put any weight on it, it might be a fracture – best to check with your doctor. Unlike muscle strains, which feel like a pulled muscle, sprains are all about the joint.
Elite Performance Therapy’s Top Tips
While you’re waiting to chat with us, here are Elite Performance Therapy’s top tips to give your ankle some TLC:
- Rest Up: Give your ankle a breather by avoiding activities that make it grumble ie prop it up on a cushion
- Ice It: Pop a bag of frozen peas!) on the sore spot for 15-20 minutes every few hours to calm the swelling.
- Wrap It: Use a bandage or ankle support to keep things stable, but don’t go too tight – your ankle needs to breathe!
- Elevate: Keep your foot raised above heart level when seated to help reduce that puffiness.
Why Choose Elite Performance Therapy?
We’ve packed our bags and brought Elite Performance Therapy to the UK, buzzing to help our new neighbours tackle those pesky ankle woes. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a desk dweller, or just someone who took a wonky step, we’re here with a warm welcome. Ankle sprains are a common pest in the UK, and we’re passionate about helping you wave goodbye to the pain and get back to strutting your stuff.
We’re here to help!
Don’t let a sprained ankle keep you on the bench! Give Elite Performance Therapy a ring for a complimentary telephone chat. We’ll discuss what’s going on, answer your questions, and work out how we can help you spring back to action. You can call us, or book online – and if you think this blog can help someone – please share it 🙂