Lateral ankle sprains normally occur with plantar flexion
and inversion. This means a pointed and turned in foot. The ligaments often
affected include the Calcaneal Fibular ligament (CFL), the Anterior Talofibular
Ligament (ATFL) and the Bifurcate ligament. These ligaments provide a supporting
role to the ankle. Typical recovery time is normally 4-6 weeks depending on the
severity of the injury. This time frame should be spent gaining normal range of
motion in the ankle, working on the strength of the inverters and working on
awareness of where the ankle is in space
(proprioception) using various methods such as the wobble board. Others body areas that often require attention include the muscles of the hip and control of the trunk as these areas are often associated with ankle injuries.