Common Ankle Injuries in Sport

The ankle is a crucial joint for athletes, and injuries are common due to the physical demands placed on it. Understanding common ankle injuries can help with prevention, early detection, and efficient recovery. Here is an overview of the most frequent ankle injuries seen in sports.

By Max Quigley, Physiotherapist

Ankle Sprain (Lateral or Medial)

Cause: Most commonly caused by rolling the ankle inward (inversion) or outward (eversion) during running, jumping, or changing direction suddenly.

Symptoms:
Pain and swelling on the outside (lateral sprain) or inside (medial sprain) of the ankle
Bruising
Difficulty bearing weight or walking

Treatment:
R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
Physical therapy to restore range of motion and strengthen ankle muscles
Bracing or taping to provide support during recovery

Achilles Tendinopathy

Cause: Overuse or repetitive stress, especially from running, jumping, or activities that require quick acceleration.

Symptoms:
Pain and tenderness at the back of the heel
Stiffness, especially in the morning or after long periods of rest
Swelling or thickening of the tendon

Treatment:
Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications
Stretching and strengthening exercises for the calf muscles
Eccentric strengthening exercises to help with tendon healing
Heel lifts or orthotics to reduce strain on the Achilles tendon

Ankle Fracture

Cause: High-impact trauma such as a fall, collision, or twisting injury can lead to a broken bone in the ankle.

Symptoms:
Intense pain and swelling
Bruising and visible deformity (in more severe cases)
Inability to move the ankle or walk

Treatment:
X-rays to confirm the fracture type
Cast or splint for non-displaced fractures
Surgery may be required for displaced fractures to realign bones
Rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility after the cast is removed

Tibiofibular Syndesmosis Injury (High Ankle Sprain)

Cause: Twisting injuries or trauma involving external rotation of the foot, often in contact sports or activities like skiing and football.

Symptoms:
Pain above the ankle, near the shin
Swelling and bruising
Difficulty walking, particularly when bearing weight

Treatment:
R.I.C.E. and rest
Bracing or splinting to stabilize the joint
Physical therapy for strengthening and restoring mobility
Severe cases may require surgery to repair ligaments

Peroneal Tendonitis

Cause: Overuse or repetitive strain on the peroneal tendons, which run along the outer side of the lower leg and ankle.

Symptoms:
Pain along the outer side of the ankle or foot
Swelling or warmth in the affected area
Pain that worsens with activity or prolonged standing

Treatment:
Rest and ice therapy
Stretching and strengthening exercises for the ankle muscles
Bracing or taping to prevent aggravation during activities
Orthotics may help with abnormal foot mechanics contributing to the condition

Ankle Dislocation

Cause: High-energy trauma, such as a fall or car accident, that causes the bones of the ankle joint to move out of their normal position.

Symptoms:

Severe pain, deformity, and swelling around the ankle joint
Inability to move the foot or ankle
Numbness or tingling if nerves are compressed

Treatment:
Emergency medical treatment to relocate the joint
Immobilization with a cast or splint post-reduction
Surgery may be needed if there is significant damage to bones, ligaments, or nerves
Rehabilitation to restore mobility and function

Cuboid Syndrome

Cause: Compression or subluxation of the cuboid bone, often due to repetitive stress, improper footwear, or an injury that affects the arch.

Symptoms:
Pain on the outer side of the foot, near the middle of the arch
Swelling in the same region
Difficulty walking, especially on uneven surfaces

Treatment:
Manual therapy and joint mobilizations to reposition the cuboid
Stretching and strengthening exercises for the foot and ankle
Proper footwear and orthotics to provide support

Achilles Tendon Rupture

Cause: A sudden force, often during activities like running or jumping, especially during explosive movements that place heavy strain on the Achilles tendon (e.g., pushing off during sprinting).

Symptoms:
A sudden, sharp pain at the back of the ankle or calf
A "pop" or snapping sound at the time of injury
Inability to stand on tiptoe or push off the affected foot
Swelling and bruising around the Achilles tendon

Treatment:
Non-surgical: Rest, ice, and elevation, followed by a period of immobilization with a cast or walking boot to allow healing. Physical therapy after immobilization helps restore strength and mobility.
Surgical: In many cases, surgery is required to repair the tendon, particularly for active individuals or those with a complete rupture.
Rehabilitation involves gradual return to activity, strengthening the calf muscles, and improving flexibility.

Written by Max Quigley

Max specialises in treating lower limb sports injuries and understands that thorough assessments and meticulous patient centred treatment is the best method in order to help individuals return to their sport as quickly and safely as possible. Max understands that each injury is unique and requires a high level of understanding and implementation of the skills he has developed.

If you have an ankle injury and would like expert guidance, book in to Max and the team at Back to Bounce to get started on your rehabilitation journey. Book online via the link below or call our team on (07) 5378 1571.