Recurrent Ankle Injuries in Adolescents: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Adolescence is a critical time for physical development, with sports and physical activities playing a crucial role in shaping young bodies. However, as teenagers grow, and sports become that bit more competitive, it is also a period when injuries, particularly ankle injuries, grow more common. Without proper treatment, an individual ankle injury can often reoccur, and end up becoming a chronic complaint. This can impact a teenagers mobility, athletic performance, and mood, as they may end up missing out on playing the sports they love!
In this post, we’ll explore the common causes of recurrent ankle injuries in adolescents, the importance of proper treatment, and techniques for preventing future injuries.
Why Are Ankle Injuries Common in Adolescents?
Common Causes of Recurrent Ankle Injuries
One of the major issues facing athletes as they return to sport following an acute ankle sprain, is the elevated risk of recurrence. Many athletes suffer a low grade ankle ligament injury, feel sore and swollen for a few days, and once the initial symptoms pass, rush to return to sport. However, if the cause of the injury is not addressed, and the previously healthy ligaments are more lax, there is a significantly increased likelihood that the injury may reoccur. This can be prevented by proper treatment of the acute injury, addressing any biomechanical issues that may have contributed to the initial injury, and increasing muscle strength, to help them to compensate for the increased ligament laxity.

Why Do Ankle Injuries Reoccur Without Sufficient Rehabilitation?
Incomplete Healing of Ligaments
An ankle sprain involves stretching or tearing of ligaments, the tissues that stabilise the joint. If not given sufficient time to heal, the ankle remains unstable and at high risk of reinjury when returning to play.
Residual Muscle Weakness
Many patients will be prescribed a boot, particularly after a high grade ankle sprain. Being in a boot for an extended period time will cause the supporting muscles of the ankle to weaken. This weakness needs to be addressed before making a full return to play.
Poor Proprioception
Proprioception is our awareness of the position of a limb in space. Our ligaments play a huge role in providing us this awareness. If the proprioception is effected by a ligament injury, which it commonly is, this will contribute massively to the feeling of instability on the ankle when running or landing.
Altered Movement Patterns
Pain or discomfort from an initial injury can cause us to adopt compensatory movement patterns, such as running with an altered gait, favouring the opposite side, or modifying how we jump and land. These altered mechanics can place undue stress on the ankle, leading to longer lasting chronic ankle issues.
The Importance of Proper Treatment
Prevention Strategies
Preventing recurrent ankle injuries in adolescents can be a challenging task. Various sports have their own individual demands. However, there are some things that will be beneficial in the majority of patients:
1. Strength Training:
Strengthening the muscles of the lower leg and foot will help support the ankle joint in fulfilling its role as well as possible.
2. Flexibility Training:
Ensuring the knee, hip, and ankle are mobile and flexible will allow the lower limb to remain as stable and robust as possible.
3. Proprioception Exercises:
Training the balance of the patient in challenging positions, aswell as using drills that improve stability and coordination can be helpful to ensure the ankle is sturdy and stable when playing.
4. Proper Footwear:
Well-fitted boots or shoes with adequate foot and ankle support can be helpful for remaining injury free.
5. Sport-Specific Training:
Ensuring proper technique during the individual activities specific to the patients sport.
PMC Physio Reccomendation
At PMC Physiotherapy, our team of expert chartered physiotherapists is dedicated to helping athletes recover from injuries like ankle problems, empowering them to stay active and reach performance goals safely. If your teen is dealing with an ankle injury or wants to prevent future issues, book an appointment with one of our specialists at PMC Physiotherapy to start a personalised recovery plan.
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