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Acute ankle and foot injuries are common in athletes and other active young people. Sprains account for the greatest number of acute injuries.
The following is information from the American Academy of Pediatrics summarizing the treatment phases of rehabilitation for ankle sprain.
Rest, protection (brace, wrap, splint, and/or crutches)
Control inflammation (ice, compression, elevation)
Early weight bearing as tolerated
Reduce residual swelling.
Restore flexibility and joint range of motion.
Restore strength (with emphasis on peroneals and calf— see "Peroneal strengthening exercise" and "Calf strengthening exercise").
Resume low-impact aerobic training; maintain general fitness.
Restore proprioception (see "Proprioception exercise").
Restore agility/coordination.
Functional progression (jogging, running, sprinting, cutting, jumping; sport-specific skills)
Gradual return to practice and competition
Maintenance exercises and long-term protection
Exercises that use elastic tubing can help restore strength to the muscles of the leg and calf.
Attach elastic to secure object.
Loop tubing around left forefoot.
Pull the tubing to the left with your forefoot while keeping the rest of your foot in place.
Repeat steps 1 through 3 with right forefoot pulling the tubing to the right.
Calf strengthening can be performed by toe raises, with or without added weight, and toe raises on the edge of a step.
Stand with balls of feet on a step. Hold onto a handrail to keep you steady.
Keep your knees slightly bent and gently lower your heels.
Then slowly raise your heels by pushing on the balls of your feet.
Repeat steps 1 through 3.
Exercises to restore proprioception are performed on a balance board, a wobble board, or a mini trampoline, or simply by standing on one leg while playing catch with a ball or doing some other distracting activity.
Because injuries and recovery rates are different for every athlete, it is difficult to estimate an exact date or time when return to sports will be safe. However, by plotting the phases of rehabilitation (see graph), doctors can discuss with athletes the necessary steps for recovery and will be able to measure an athlete's progress against this standard.