Recovery of calf muscle strength following a lateral ankle sprain.

Abstract

Context: Lateral ankle sprains are the most common injury in sport and medical care. A lateral ankle sprain can result in a loss of proprioception, range of motion and strength of the ankle. Aim: To provide insight into whether plantarflexion strength is reduced following a lateral ankle sprain. Participants: 23 participants (Female = 13, Male = 10) between the ages of 18 and 24. All experienced a unilateral lateral ankle sprain with no complications and had no other lower limb problems following the ankle injury. Participants had returned to sport for a minimum of three months and a maximum of 36 months. Method: Participants performed as many one legged standing calf raises as possible at 60% of body weight. The procedure started with the right leg and then repeated on the left leg. Results: There was a significant (P < 0.05) difference between the injured and non-injured ankles. Conclusion: The non-injured ankles performed a higher number of calf raises than the injured ankles. This suggests that there is a plantarflexion strength defect present following a lateral ankle sprain.