Rehabilitation and Return to Sports of Ankle Injuries
摘要
Ankle injuries, particularly sprains, are among the most prevalent musculoskeletal injuries in the physically active population, with substantial risk of developing chronic ankle instability and long-term complications such as posttraumatic osteoarthritis. Despite their frequency and potential severity, ankle sprains are often perceived as minor, with many patients delaying or avoiding clinical intervention. This chapter explores the principles and practices of rehabilitating ankle injuries and achieving a safe return to sports. Evidence supports functional management approaches, such as early weight-bearing and bracing, combined with therapeutic exercise, as effective for reducing recurrence risk and enhancing recovery outcomes. Key rehabilitation strategies include protecting injured tissue during acute phases, progressive loading to enhance ligament strength, and addressing impairments in pain, swelling, mobility, strength, and sensorimotor control. Exercises are tailored to mimic sport-specific demands, with an emphasis on restoring the ankle’s dynamic and multiplanar functionality. The chapter also addresses psychological aspects, including athletes’ confidence and readiness to return to sport. Emphasizing periodic assessment throughout recovery, it is discussed the return to sports frameworks that integrate physical, psychological, and performance-based criteria, supplemented by evidence on the utility of external supports like bracing or taping. The integration of evidence-based rehabilitation strategies is critical for preventing reinjury and optimizing athletic performance.