Effects of Talocrural Joint Mobilizations in the Treatment of Subacute Lateral Ankle Sprains

Effects of Talocrural Joint Mobilizations in the Treatment of Subacute Lateral Ankle Sprains

The goal is to determine if standard therapy including joint mobilizations of the ankle performed 3 times per week for 2 weeks will increase self-reported function and decrease pain in patients with mild lateral ankle sprains.

The purpose of this protocol is to assess the effects of grade IV anterior to posterior joint mobilization on self-reported function, dorsiflexion range of motion and talar glide on subjects suffering from lateral ankle sprain in the past 2-10 days and exhibit 5 degree dorsiflexion deficit in range of motion or a restriction in posterior glide of the talus.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Incomplete tear of lateral ligaments with mild laxity as measured by anterior drawer test and talar tilt
• Slight reduction in function
• Anterolateral ankle tenderness
• Dorsiflexion ROM asymmetry greater than 5° compared to uninvolved limb
• Posterior talar glide restriction greater than 5° compared to uninvolved limb; or
• Posterior talar glide less than 19°, which is one standard deviation (7°) from our previously established normative values (26°)9, 10
• Suffered from grade 1 or 2 lateral ankle sprain within the last 48hr - 8 days

Exclusion Criteria:

• A history of ankle surgery that involves intra-articular fixation,
• Syndesmotic ankle sprain (to be ruled out based on clinical examination),
• History or signs of reflex sympathetic dystrophy,
• Have received manual therapy for the ankle sprain prior to enrollment
• Grade III ankle sprain.