Tackling Ankle Sprains in Tennis: Insights from a Senior Sports Therapist

Hi everyone! I’m here to chat about a common menace for tennis players and many athletes alike—ankle sprains. At Perfect Balance Clinic, my role as a senior sports therapist and my personal history in professional sports have given me extensive experience with ankle sprains. Having experienced these injuries myself and helped many people recover, I’m excited to share simple tips for managing and getting better from them.

Understanding Ankle Sprains

When the ligaments that stabilise the ankle are overstretched or torn, an ankle sprain happens. Tennis increases this risk with its frequent sharp turns and lateral motions. I still recall the sharp “pop” I experienced during a match, which was both intensely painful and frustrating. But understanding the mechanics and having the right response plan made all the difference.

My First-Person Experience and Recovery Strategy

Reflecting on my professional days, quick pivots and aggressive footwork were non-negotiables—until an ankle sprain paused my play. Here’s the step-by-step approach I took, which has influenced my therapy practices today:

Step 1: Immediate Response – RICE

The RICE method is crucial for initial care:

• Rest: Cease playing immediately to prevent further injury. Resting the affected ankle allows the healing process to begin. Avoid putting weight on the injured ankle to reduce strain.
• Ice: To minimise swelling and numb the pain during the initial 48-72 hours, use ice packs for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours. Always wrap the ice in a cloth to avoid placing it directly on the skin.
• Compression: To manage swelling and support the joint, an elastic bandage can be effective. Apply it firmly but not excessively tight to avoid compromising circulation.
• Elevation: To minimise swelling, keep your ankle raised above heart level. Support it with pillows or cushions, especially while resting or sleeping.

Step 2: Assessment and Diagnosis

Understanding your ankle sprain fully needs a professional assessment. At Perfect Balance Clinic, we provide thorough physical exams and, if needed, use imaging tests to get the right diagnosis. For more details, contact our reception team at 0800 0724 012.

Step 3: Rehabilitation Exercises

Once you’ve managed pain and swelling, concentrating on rehabilitation is vital. Below are exercises I frequently use and recommend:

• Ankle Circles: Sit with your leg extended and move your ankle in clockwise and counterclockwise circles. This enhances flexibility and range of motion.
• Towel Stretch: With your leg extended, apply a towel around your toes and gently pull to stretch your calf muscle. This technique supports better dorsiflexion and overall flexibility.
• Balance Exercises: Stand on one leg to improve stability and strengthen ankle muscles, then switch legs. Progress to balance boards or stability pads for added challenge. This helps in regaining proprioception.
• Resistance Band Exercises: Incorporate resistance bands for exercises like ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. These exercises help strengthen the ankle muscles and enhance joint stability.

Step 4: Gradual Return to Activity

Don’t rush this step. Taking a gradual approach aids in rebuilding the strength and confidence needed for a full return. Start with light jogging and incrementally reintroduce tennis-specific drills based on your therapist’s guidance.

Step 5: Preventive Measures

Prevention outweighs treatment. Choose the right shoes, use ankle supports if required, and never skip a thorough warm-up before playing. For more on injury prevention, check out our blog for tennis players.

The Role of Sports Therapy

Sports therapy is key to successful recovery and injury prevention. A sports therapist delivers personalised treatment plans, manual techniques, and rehabilitation exercise guidance. Ongoing sessions can lead to improved joint functionality, greater muscle strength, and enhanced overall athletic ability.

In Conclusion

Though ankle sprains can hold you back, good treatment means you won’t stay off the field for long. At Perfect Balance Clinic, we’ll assist with your recovery, strengthen you, and help you return to your sport confidently. Facing an ankle sprain? Together, we can get you back to your optimal shape. Visit https://www.perfectbalanceclinic.com/ to book an appointment or learn more about our comprehensive sports injury services. Remember, recovery is just a serve and volley away!

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This article was written by our team of specialist therapists at Perfect Balance Clinic. If you would like more specific advice about how our team can help you with this condition or symptoms you may be having, please complete the contact form below and one of the team will get back to you shortly.