Ankle sprains are a common injury in sports that require you to plant your foot and shift your weight, like soccer, and in activities that take place on uneven terrain, such as hiking and trail running. Ankle sprains result from the stretching or tearing of any of the 3 ligaments that support and connect the bones of the ankle. The severity of the sprain depends on how many of the ligaments are injured and how badly they are damaged. Swelling, bruising, pain, and a lack of mobility in the ankle joint are the hallmarks of an ankle sprain. Once the primary inflammation subsides, however, the sprain may lead to long-term weakness and instability in the ankle joint, increasing the risk of repeating the injury. Stretching and strengthening exercises that emphasize balance can help to prevent recurrent ankle sprains.
To treat an ankle sprain, manual therapies may include one, or a combination of, the following:
ART (Active Release Technique)
Corrective Exercise to strengthen the muscles supporting the joint and improve balance