Ankle Sprains

In Willems et al’s study of proprioception deficits among athletes with high rates of recurring lateral ankle sprains, they found that almost all of their subjects tended to under shoot the needed ankle during the test (Willems et al., 2002). In this study they had 4 groups of athletes to study. The control group were individuals who had no prior ankle injuries (Willems et al., 2002). The Instability group were individuals that had suffered from more than three inversion sprains and complained of instability (Willems et al., 2002). The third group had sustained one to three ankle sprains in the past two years, but did not complain of instability (Willems et al., 2002). The fourth group had sustained one to three ankle sprains in the past three …show more content…
Due to muscle weaknesses in the involved muscles of the ankle, it can lead to instability of the ankle joint. Isakov & Mizrahi (1997) did a study that looked at the possibility of if these muscle weaknesses and joint instabilities can lead to a balance problem. They broke apart two different theories, the functional instability theory and the mechanical instability theory. The functional instability theory states that the cause of instability is due to “afferent nerve fibers in the capsule, ligaments, and muscles subserve reflexes” (Isakov & Mizrahi, 1997). The mechanical instability theory believes that the cause of instability is due to weak supporting ligaments in and around the ankle joint (Isakov & Mizrahi, 1997). A consistency has not been found that supports the relations between these two …show more content…
Mattacola & Dwyer (2002) did a study that looks at whether bracing, taping, and/or orthotics are the best method at preventing re injury of the ankle. There are many different ankle braces, some lace up, have stirrups, or are just elastic. All ankle braces are designed to provide stability during the healing phase of injury, it also can offer proprioceptive stimulation (Mattacola & Dwyer, 2002). Taping is another method that can be used to provide support and proprioceptive stimulation to an injured athlete (Mattacola & Dwyer, 2002). This method is inexpensive, quick, and easy to apply. One downfall to taping is that it normally has to be done by a trainer, or the trainer will have to teach the athlete correct taping