ADVICE FOR PATIENTS
WITH SPRAINED ANKLE
Patient Information Leaflet
Physiotherapy Department
(Information sheet code ANKT)
A SMOKING FREE ENVIRONMENT
Dear Patient
This advice and exercise sheet has been produced by Senior
Physiotherapists working within Worcestershire Acute Hospital NHS Trust.
It offers simple advice and exercises to help you safely manage your ankle
problem, often the right advice and exercises are all that is needed.
This leaflet has been made available to your GP who may ask you to try the
advice and exercises prior to referring for Physiotherapy. Alternately, you
may be given this leaflet in the Accident and Emergency Department or whilst
you are on a Physiotherapy waiting list.
This leaflet is also available as a down load from the Trust’s website
www.worcestershirehealth.nhs.uk/Acute_Trust/Physiotherapy
Follow the advice and exercises with care. If any of the exercises make your
pain worse STOP and seek advice.
You are likely to be experiencing some or all of the following symptoms:1. Pain
2. Swelling and bruising
3. Stiffness and loss of movement in the ankle
4. Tightness in the calf muscle
FOR PAIN AND SWELLING
1. Take the medication your GP has prescribed
2. In the first week or so ice may help both the swelling and the pain. Use
every 2-3 hours especially in the first 48 hours sitting with your leg
elevated (ankle higher than hip). Use the ice pack for 10 – 15 minutes
only
(Take a packet of frozen peas, wrap them in a damp tea towel and place
them over your ankle. Do not eat the peas afterwards, label the packet
and keep re-using).
Gel packs are also available now which can be used in exactly the same
way as peas.
NB DO NOT USE ICE ON YOUR ANKLE IF YOU HAVE POOR
SENSATION OVER THE AREA, REYNAULDS SYNDROME, AN
INFECTED WOUND, OR IF YOU HAVE CRYOGLOBULINAEMIA
3. Use a double tubigrip from your toes to your knee as compression will help
to reduce the swelling
4. Use a walking aid if provided for the first few days. Try to walk as normally
as possible with equal stride lengths.
Exercises to reduce stiffness and increase movement
Please try all the exercises below gradually increasing them as the ankle
improves. It is okay to experience some discomfort but do not push the
ankle into pain. If you have used ice, allow 30 minutes before exercising.
In the first 48 hours after injury
Gently move your ankle up and down and side to side every hour. Repeat
each movement 5-10 times.
After 48 hours
Continue exercises above trying to increase movement in all directions.
Compare the movement to the other ankle.
Sit with one leg straight out in front of you. Put a band
around your foot.
Gently pull the band and feel the stretch in your calf.
Hold approximately 10 seconds.
Repeat 10 times
Pull on the band on the little toe side to encourage the foot to turn out. Hold
approximately 10 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
Pull on the band on the big toe side to encourage the foot to turn in. Hold
approximately 10 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
Once you are able to take weight on the leg, try balancing on the affected leg
for 30 seconds at a time (hold onto something for balance)
Stand in a walking position with the leg to be
stretched straight behind you and the other leg bent
in front of you. Take support from a wall or chair.
Lean your body forwards and down until you feel the
stretching in the calf of the straight leg. Hold
approximately 30 seconds – relax.
Repeat 3 times
At about 2 weeks
With equal weight on both feet, push up
onto your toes and down again.
Repeat 10 times.
When you can do this comfortably, try
pushing up on your toes on one leg at a
time. Repeat 10 times on each leg.
NB. If you feel the exercises are making your pain worse
STOP DOING THEM AND SEEK ADVICE
Queries:If you are unsure about any of the advice in this leaflet
Or
If you require further advice from a Chartered Physiotherapist
Please contact your local Physiotherapy Department between 8.30 – 4.30; Monday –
Friday on the direct dial numbers below-
Worcestershire Royal Hospital – 01905 760622 / 760187
Alexandra Hospital, Redditch - 01527 512114
Kidderminster Hospital – 01562 513066