Healing time

The healing time of an injury to the ligaments of the ankle joint can vary depending on the type and extent of the injury and the chosen therapeutic method. However, it can basically be divided into three main phases. The inflammation/pain phase This phase is the acute phase directly following the injury.

It can last between 1-7 days. During this time, the injury causes pain and swelling in the area of the ankle joint.Stabilization and immobilization is especially important here.

The inflammation/pain phase This phase is the acute phase immediately following the injury.
It can last between 1-7 days. During this time, the injury causes pain and swelling in the area of the ankle joint. Stabilization and immobilization is particularly important here.

Tapes

Taping is also a good way to support the healing process of an ankle injury and to protect and stabilize the damaged joint. In a classic tape bandage, the compression of the tape improves muscle function and supports lymph flow so that excessive swelling in the joint is prevented. A classic tape also restricts the freedom of movement of the ankle and thus protects against careless movements.

The use of a kinesiotape can also be supportive and useful for the healing process. Due to the high flexibility of Kinesiotape, it can be applied flexibly, depending on the type and location of the injury, to give the joint more stability and stimulate the muscles and underlying tissue. However, any kind of tape should always be applied by an experienced therapist to ensure that it is neither too tight nor too loose and that it optimally supports the joint in its function.

Sports/Skiing

After an ankle joint injury, regardless of whether it is only a ligament stretch or a tear or complete tear, sport should be avoided in order to relieve the joint and give it time to heal. As a rule, patients should refrain completely from their usual sports and excessive stress during the period of rehabilitation (between 3-12 weeks depending on the extent of the injury). The situation is somewhat different when skiing.

Since the foot in the ski boot has a similar stability as in a bandage, skiing may be possible. However, it is important not to ski in the acute phase, as standing for a long time can cause severe swelling and pain in the ankle. In case of a planned skiing vacation, the affected person should talk to his doctor and/or the treating therapist to find out if skiing is possible under the given circumstances. As part of the rehabilitation process, patients are generally reintroduced to sports activities as the healing process progresses, so that swimming, cycling, hiking and jogging are more likely to be possible again than contact sports such as soccer or basketball, where rapid changes of direction and stops put additional strain on the ankle.