Chronic Ankle Sprains: Treatment for Rapid Recovery and Preventing Recurrence

by Charles Leahy

Ankle sprains are common and can be a severe set-back to daily ambulation, especially for the serious athlete. They are graded based on severity: 1, 2, or 3.

Grade 1 indicates minimal swelling, minimal instability, and little change in range of motion (ROM).

Grade 2 represents severe pain and instability that makes weight-bearing hard.

Grade 3 shows complete functional loss with little to no ROM. This ankle sprain needs x-rays and often surgery.

The standard medical approach for grades 1 and 2 includes bracing the joint with tape or a splint, rest, ice, elevation, and NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs like Tylenol or Aspirin). Included, would be weeks of rehabilitation with a physical therapist or athletic trainer. This is preferred only in the absence of a chiropractic applied kinesiologist.

Serious athletes are interested in getting better as quickly as possible and preventing recurrence. The cause of an ankle sprain is easy when considering contact sports-like when a person is pushed or tackled. Commonly, however, the ankle just "gives way," without an external cause. This is usually due to a pre-existing sub-optimal muscle status. This is frequently seen when there is a miscommunication between the brain and the muscle. To summarize, the muscles were unable to secure the joint, so it folded the wrong way and the last line of defense (the ligaments) were stretched and torn. Many doctors are familiar with the concept of muscle inhibition, but few know how to fix it. They spend the patient's time and money by immobilizing the joint and using weeks of physical therapy to gradually return the patient to activity. Some physical therapists may serendipidously help the inhibition pattern, but after weeks of treatment. This time delay can be a major set-back for athletic training, a great expense to the patient, not to mention the inconvenience. Unfortunately, the patient is often returned to regular activities with the ligaments healed, but without the muscle inhibition pattern resolved. Thus, they are prone for re-spraining the ankle.

It is not unreasonable for a chiropractic applied kinesiologist to facilitate return to normal activities within one week, even for a grade 2 sprain. Fixing the muscles gives better stability than braces or tape, and the natural pumping of the muscles flushes out cellular debris and lessens edema (swelling). It is advisable to take a good Cod Liver Oil containing EPA and DHA oils as well as bioflavinoids to speed healing time. Spinal and extremity adjustment, orthopedic massage, and acupuncture/acupressure with the proper nutrition will lessen pain, speed healing, and rapidly increase ankle function. For more information about applied kinesiology or to seek out a Professional Applied Kinesiologist, visit the International College of Applied Kinesiology online.