Experts emphasize the need for preventive measures against ankle sprains, one of the most common injuries athletes face in sports competitions that involve intense physical exertion.
Prof. Dr. Mehmet Binnet, an orthopedic and trauma specialist at Acıbadem Ankara Hospital, provided information on ankle sprains. Binnet noted that ankle sprains are the most common injuries in sports and daily life, adding that, according to international studies, 27,000 people suffer from ankle sprains every day. Pointing out that one in 10,000 people sprains their ankle every day, Binnet stated that at least half of these are severe sprains.Noting that such injuries are more common among athletes, Binnet emphasized that 45% of basketball injuries, 30% of soccer injuries, and 25% of track and field injuries occur in the ankle joint. Binnet stated that 75% of ankle injuries are ligament injuries, and 85% of these occur due to the foot rolling inward.

“If protective measures are not taken, active participation in sports will be interrupted for an extended period.”

Binnet, who noted that sprains often recur if protective measures are not taken for athletes, said, “This leads to damage to the joint cartilage. The result is a prolonged interruption of their active athletic life.”
Binnet, who explains that a sprain refers to ligament damage, says, “In the case of ankle sprains, the first step is to assess the severity of the injury. It may be inadvisable to assume it is a mild sprain and allow the athlete to continue playing by applying cold therapy and a bandage. If there is noticeable joint laxity during the examination and the athlete experiences severe pain and limping when attempting to run, they will not be able to continue their sporting activity or the activity at that moment.”” If the ankle swells immediately and mobility is restricted, there is a high likelihood of intra-articular bleeding,” he said.
Binnet noted that for most sprains, the primary first-aid treatment consists of rest, applying cold, compression using an elastic bandage, and elevation by raising the leg; he also mentioned that using crutches and light splints can help protect the injured area from further damage. Binnet emphasized that cold or ice application should be applied immediately to reduce swelling and promote rapid healing.

“An ankle sprain cannot be treated with rest, bandaging, and medication alone”

Binnet, emphasizing the importance of applying an ice pack wrapped in a towel for 15- to 20-minute sessions, said, “This may take 1 to 3 days, depending on the situation. A definitive diagnosis must be made during this period. As long as there is pain when weight is placed on the leg—that is, when pressure is applied—no weight should be placed on that leg. Rehabilitation can take 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the severity of the injury. After returning to sports, the risk of re-spraining the ankle remains high for a while.

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