Ankle sprain is the most common sports related injury, comprising 7.3% of all athletic injuries in NCAA sports. The highest incidence of ankle sprain is in men’s and women’s basketball (Roos,2016). Despite these high rates of injury, ankle sprains are often neglected in regards to rehabilitation and prevention of secondary injury. It’s estimated that 73% of those with an ankle sprain will experience a re-injury in sports, especially in sports such as basketball (Martin, 2013). This is thought to occur due to changes in ligamentous or muscular structure, strength and/or proprioception.
To improve structural control after an ankle sprain during sport, both bracing and taping have been used to reduce the risk of secondary ankle sprains (Thijs, 2019; Sharpe, 1997). The most common mechanism of ankle sprain involves rolling the foot inwards and tearing the ligaments on the outside (lateral) aspect of the ankle. Most ankle braces and effective ankle taping techniques provide good support of side to side ankle movement to reduce the risk of “rolling” your ankle. A large meta-analysis by Barelds et al. reported a reduction in primary and secondary ankle sprains by 37% and 53%, respectively, when varying types of ankle bracing was worn. Additionally, Dizon et al.(2010) reported a reduction in secondary ankle sprain with taping from certified athletic trainers by 71% as compared to no bracing or taping. Some studies have shown bracing to be slightly more effective than taping. However, most studies support the use of either modality to reduce the risk of secondary ankle sprain.
It’s important to consider that although bracing and taping can be helpful in providing stability and reducing the risk of ankle re-injury, these methods are passive in nature. A good rehabilitation program that includes strengthening, balance, and proprioceptive training allows your body to provide the necessary stability. Therefore, it’s a critical first step in being able to safely return to sport with a lower risk of re-injury. Studies have found that stability disc training or use of a 12 week wobble board training protocol decreased the risk of secondary injury to 5% in the intervention group (Tropp et al, Webster et al.). Other important factors that can affect ankle stability include both landing mechanics and hip and core strength. Teaching the body to absorb forces through the whole lower leg with proper landing mechanics can dissipate force through the ankle. Hip and core strength provides stability to the entire limb decreasing the chance of the ankle rolling in and causing injury.
At Berkana we have experience working with a wide variety of athletes, including professional and Olympic level sports. Our focus is on decreasing the risk of re-injury by helping patients regain strength and proprioception as well as make changes in their movement patterns and increase their confidence in jumping and landing again following injury. Give us a call to find out more about our treatment program for sprained ankles.