It is believed that ankle sprain occurs to many of those who are involved in sports and exercise activities. It can also occur during normal daily activity such as walking. Ankle sprain is generally due to excessive ankle activity and it is an injury which might lead to ligament stretching or tearing, muscular strain, or even fracture of metatarsus or tibia. The most common injury is lateral ligament sprain caused by excessive “inward strain”, and the subsequent inflammation and swelling. The degree of ankle sprain can be classified into three levels based on ligament stretching or tearing condition, joint stability and functional disorders. In general, most of the simple lateral ankle sprain injuries can be cured with conservative treatment.

The treatment is mainly divided into three phases. During the period of time within 48 hours after injury, the acute phase, PRICE treatment, which stands for Ice, Compression, Elevation, Rest and Protection, should be provided. The rehabilitation phase, which is based on physical therapy and comes after the acute phase, can be cured with three different types of physical therapy method. They are apparatus therapy, manual therapy and exercise therapy. Specifically, treatment of medical use of physical factors including ultrasound, interferential current therapy and hyperthermia are involved to achieve effects of relieving pain, increasing blood circulation and recovering injured areas. It is suggested to do joint activity exercise as soon as possible in the painless joint area to prevent joint adhesion and to assist in reconstruction of strong ligaments, as well as to practice certain essential trainings such as training on joint, muscle strength and proprioception.

After a series of physical therapy treatments, the recovery of ankle has reached a certain level. However, a series of functional activity trainings aiming at reaction and agility is necessary before returning to sports, which includes jumping, running around, quick stopping and changing position, and zigzag running at a shape of “8”. After a series of functional activity trainings, it is suggested to wear ankle braces or use strapping to support the ankle in order to prevent recurrent sprain injuries.