Student Athlete in Penang with Ankle Sprain
A 19-year-old university football player overcame recurrent ankle sprains through a sports physiotherapy program focused on proprioceptive training and ankle stability exercises.
Patient Profile
Age
19 years old
Gender
Male
Occupation
University Student / Football Player
Location
George Town, Penang
Presenting Complaint
Danish presented with his third lateral ankle sprain in 18 months, sustained during a university football match. He reported that his ankle frequently "gives way" during quick direction changes on the pitch. The current injury caused moderate swelling and bruising around the lateral malleolus. He was unable to bear full weight and was concerned about missing the upcoming inter-university tournament.
Assessment Findings
Assessment revealed Grade 2 lateral ankle sprain with involvement of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL). Significant peroneal weakness and poor ankle proprioception bilaterally (worse on injured side). Ankle dorsiflexion was restricted. Previous sprains had not been fully rehabilitated, leading to chronic ankle instability. Single-leg balance time was only 8 seconds on the injured side compared to 25 seconds on the uninjured side.
Treatment Plan
- Acute phase (Week 1): PRICE protocol, compression, ankle taping, non-weight bearing exercises
- Subacute phase (Weeks 2-3): Progressive weight bearing, ankle ROM restoration, peroneal strengthening
- Strengthening phase (Weeks 4-6): Ankle stability exercises, proprioceptive training on wobble board and BOSU
- Sport-specific phase (Weeks 7-8): Agility drills, direction changes, football-specific movements
- Progressive proprioception program – from static to dynamic, eyes open to eyes closed
- Ankle taping education for self-management during sports
- Prevention program for long-term ankle stability
Progress Milestones
Week 1
Swelling managed with PRICE protocol and compression. Started non-weight bearing ankle exercises. Pain reduced from 7/10 to 4/10.
Week 3
Full weight bearing achieved. Ankle ROM restored to 90% of normal. Started wobble board proprioception exercises. Walking normally without pain.
Week 5
Single-leg balance improved to 20 seconds. Peroneal strength significantly improved. Started light jogging and ladder drills. No episodes of giving way.
Week 7
Commenced football-specific drills – cutting, pivoting, and kicking. Ankle taping technique mastered for self-application. Confidence in ankle stability restored.
Week 8
Cleared for full return to football. Single-leg balance at 28 seconds. Completed agility tests without pain or instability. Ankle prevention program provided for ongoing use.
Outcome
After 8 weeks of focused sports physiotherapy, Danish returned to competitive football in time for the inter-university tournament. His single-leg balance improved from 8 seconds to 28 seconds, and peroneal strength reached symmetry with the uninjured side. He was educated on ankle taping techniques and continues a daily proprioception maintenance program. At 6-month follow-up, he had not experienced any further ankle sprains.
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Disclaimer
This is a representative case study based on common physiotherapy treatment journeys in Malaysia. Names and identifying details have been changed to protect patient privacy. Individual results vary depending on the specific condition, severity, patient compliance, and other factors. This story is intended for educational purposes only and should not be taken as a guarantee of treatment outcomes. Always consult a licensed physiotherapist for personalised advice regarding your condition.