Ankle fractures and sprains are commonplace in athletics and day-to-day life. Slips and falls are common on the ice and on the court or field. The ankle is a very fragile joint. The small ligaments and muscles that cross the ankle joint provide ankle stability. The anterior talofibular ligament provides the primary ankle ligamentous stability. The peroneals provide lateral ankle stability.
During the early stance phase of the gait cycle, the peroneals and anterior talofibular ligament are the primary stabilizers of the ankle. The ankle/foot also moves into pronation to contour to the surface. If the foot is positioned toward supination the possibility of an ankle sprain is significantly increased. If the client twists the ankle, the peroneals and anterior talofibular ligament are damaged. If these structures are involved in numerous sprains, ankle stability is compromised. The muscles and ligaments are stretched, weakened and unable to control and stabilize the ankle. This is when ankle strengthening and bracing are necessary. Strengthening involves the ankle muscles (primarily peroneals) using both open and closed chain activities.
