Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains are caused by the ankle rolling inwards or outwards during a motion which is in excess of the normal range of motion. The ligaments are the structures in the ankle that provides the ultimate end-range stability while the muscles on teh outside of the shin are the structures which provide the strength and support during motion. It can be either the ligaments or the muscles to be injured in an ankle sprain. When grading an ankle sprain, pain, swelling, point tenderness, bruising, and ability to weight-bear are considered. Treatment at first includes Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (PRICE). Usually after 2-3 days the pain, heat, redness, and swelling have begun to diminish and more active forms of treatment can be started. At Summit Integrated Health Centre we have found that Active Release Techniques® Soft tissue Management System (ART®) is an extremely effective method to diagnose and treat the severity of the Ankle Sprain and/or Strain. Treatment usually involves assessing which structures and muscles have been affected and applying the specific ART® protocols to restore motion and eliminate adhesions that have formed.