Foot and Ankle Exercise Prescription

Question 1

What is chronic ankle instability?

Answer 1

Repetitive episodes of instability or recurrent ankle sprains

Question 2

What are the clinical representations of ankle instability?

Answer 2

• Deficits in ankle dorsiflexion and ROM
• Reduced eccentric eversion strength
• Weak hip abductors and external rotators
• Impaired balance

Question 3

What are basic guidelines for early, intermediate and advanced rehab for ankle sprains or chronic instability?

Answer 3

Acute = ROM, isometrics, isotonic strength exercises
Intermediate = progression of proprioception training (exercises requiring thought of where the limb needs to be)
Advanced = sport specific, return to play

Question 4

What are the goals of rehab?

Answer 4

Reduce pain and swelling
Maintain fitness
Restore full ROM
Increase strength
Improve balance and proprioception
Maximise function and return to full activity

Question 5

Describe the tendon continuum.

Answer 5

If a tendon is loaded correctly it will go through a process of adaptation that will make it stronger. If it is not loaded it will result in stress shielding. If it is loaded too much it may result in a reactive tendinopathy and if continued tendon dysrepair.

Question 6

When can an athlete return to sport?

Answer 6

When the patient feels ready and when the patient can meet the demands of the sport in training