Treatment of acute ankle distortion in footballers : Are we doing it particularly right or particularly wrong?

Abstract

Despite the high incidence of ankle sprains, the ideal treatment is controversial and asignificant percentage of patients who have suffered an ankle sprain never fully recover. Even professional athletes are affected by this post-traumatic complication. There is strong evidence that permanent impairment after an ankle injury is often due to an inadequate rehabilitation and training program and too early return to sport. Therefore, athletes should start acriteria-based rehabilitation after ankle sprain and gradually progress through the programmed activities, including e.g. cryotherapy, edema reduction, optimal load management, range of motion exercises to improve ankle dorsiflexion and digital guidance, stretching of the triceps surae with isometric exercises and strengthening of the peroneus muscles, balance and proprioception training, and bracing/taping. The fact that this is professional sport does not exempt it from consistent, stage-appropriate treatment and acautious increase in load. However, there are anumber of measures and tools that can be used in the intensive care of athletes to improve treatment and results.