ASPECTS OF PHYSIOTHERAPY AFTER NONOPERATIVE TREATMENT OF LATERAL ANKLE SPRAIN

ABSTRACT Introduction: Lateral ankle sprain is a common injury and, if not treated properly, could result in chronic ankle pain and instability. Well-structured and timely applied appropriate physiotherapy program is of great importance for the purpose of good functional recovery. The study aims to outline the main aspects of physiotherapy after nonoperative treatment of lateral ankle sprain and to assess its effectiveness on the functional outcome in patients with this kind of injury. Material and methods: The study was conducted on seven patients undergoing nonoperative treatment with an acute lateral ankle sprain. Depending on the phases of the soft tissue regeneration, the physiotherapeutic program included specialized manual techniques and exercises for controlling inflammatory process, stress to collagen fibers for proper orientation along the stress lines, restoring ROM, reactivation of the fibular muscles, training of the dynamic stabilization and improvement of the muscle strength, progressive neuromuscular, proprioceptive and postural control training, as well as return to recreational and sport-specific training. The functional outcome was assessed by Foot and Ankle Disability Index, Y balance test, and One-leg stance test. Results: The results of the conducted functional tests at the latest follow-up showed statistically significant improvement in all of the studied indicators, but some deficit in proprioception and the dynamic stabilization still persists. To achieve optimal functional results, the implementation of the supervised physiotherapeutic program should continue. Conclusion: Early mobilization after lateral ankle sprain and an individualized physiotherapeutic program could reduce the deficit in proprioception, muscular imbalance and impaired neuromuscular control, and the risk of recurrent sprain.