Ankle sprain: the role of the physiotherapist

What is a tibiotarsal sprain?

A tibiotarsal sprain, better known as an ankle sprain, is one of the most common injuries in athletes and physically active people.
It occurs when the ankle ligaments are stretched beyond their normal limit or suffer small tears, usually due to a sudden movement, imbalance or improper twisting.

Most common causes of ankle sprain

The main situations that can cause this injury include:

• Sudden movements during sporting activities;

• Walking or running on uneven surfaces;

• Wearing unsuitable or unstable footwear;

• Lack of muscle strength in the ankle area;

• Reduced ligament stability of the tibiotarsal joint.

Symptoms of tibiotarsal sprain

Signs and symptoms vary depending on the severity of the injury, but generally include:

• Sudden, intense pain in the affected area;

• Swelling (oedema) and local tenderness;

• Difficulty or inability to support the foot on the ground;

• Instability when walking;

• Haematomas (in cases of partial or total ligament rupture).

If pain and swelling persist after a few days, it's important to seek specialised assessment to avoid complications.

The importance of physiotherapy in recovery

Physiotherapy plays a fundamental role in tibiotarsal sprain recovery, speeding up the healing process of injured tissues and preventing sequelae such as muscle weakness and chronic instability.

The main benefits of physiotherapy include

• Reduction of pain and inflammation;
• Improved joint mobility;
• Strengthening the leg and foot muscles;
• Prevention of new sprains.

How physiotherapy treatment is carried out

The treatment plan is always personalised, but may include:

1. Manual therapy: Joint mobilisation and massage therapy help to reduce pain and restore ankle mobility.
2. Strengthening exercises: Specific exercises are recommended to strengthen the stabilising muscles of the ankle, such as the calf and fibular muscles.
3. Proprioception and balance: Proprioceptive training is essential to re-educate the neuromuscular system and prevent new injuries. Exercises with balance boards and controlled instability are commonly used.
4. Gradual return to activity: Rehabilitation also involves the gradual progression of functional exercises, preparing the patient to resume daily activities and sports safely.

When to see a physiotherapist

If you've suffered a sprain and feel pain, swelling or instability, don't expect it to “get better by itself”.
Early treatment significantly improves recovery and reduces the risk of complications such as chronic ankle instability.

At Integrativa, we have a team of physiotherapists specialising in musculoskeletal rehabilitation and sports physiotherapy, with advanced techniques to restore function and movement.

Recover the health and stability of your ankle

Don't let a sprain keep you from your activities.

👉 Book your physiotherapy session at Integrativa and take the first step towards regaining confidence and mobility in your ankle.