83% of injuries in soccer occur in the lower limbs.  The most common of these injuries are ankle injuries representing 17% of all injuries. Some of the injuries that occur are: ligament injuries, fractures, chondral lesions, dislocations and tendon injuries.  The most common ankle injuries soccer players sustain are lateral ligament sprains meaning the ligaments on the outside of the ankle.
 

Ankle sprains can happen as contact, landing or twisting injuries and they are more common on uneven ground like many of the soccer fields around Canberra! The ligaments are overstretched by rolling onto the outside of the foot. The player normally experiences pain immediately followed by swelling later that day.

Acute treatment of an ankle sprain should consist of a cessation of play and the RICER regime.  Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation and Referral.  If the player is unable to weight bear, a more serious injury major ligament disruption or even fracture is suspected and the player should see a physiotherapist for an accurate diagnosis. Even minor sprains will cause a degree of instability in the ankle making it more susceptible to re-injury. All ankle sprains should be promptly assessed and rehabilitated by a physiotherapist. Just resting and using crutches for a few weeks can actually delay the healing process and the sooner rehabilitation is started the quicker the recovery time and return to sport.  

Ankle injuries tend to happen in the first few weeks of the season and towards the end of the game indicating that weakness and fatigue are major contributing factors. The risk of an ankle sprain can be reduced by a specific strengthening and stretching program designed by a physiotherapist.  If you have ankle instability it is a good idea to have your ankle taped or braced when you play.  

Sport & Spinal

Sport and Spinal physiotherapy provide physiotherapy services for Gungahlin United football club members at Palmerston ovals on Saturday afternoons from 1230pm – 430pm throughout the football season and they can assess and tape your ankle if necessary.

This article was written by Lisa Schroeter.  Lisa works at Sport and Spinal Physiotherapy and also plays for a GUFC Womens State League 2 team.  Sport and Spinal physiotherapy sponsor the Gungahlin United Football Club and members receive a discount off all physiotherapy and massage treatment.

SPECIAL OFFER!

ANKLE BRACES!  Sport and Spinal physiotherapy are offering 20% off ankle braces for GUFC members for the months of July and August 2008.