[Ankle sprain. Management of recent lesions and prevention of secondary instability]

Ankle sprains are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries. The vast majority of these injuries are lateral ligament sprains, resulting from inversion of the plantar-flexed foot. Initial management should include rest, ice, compression and elevation. Functional treatment proved to provide the quickest recovery and an earlier return to work without compromising the lateral mechanical stability. Surgical management of acute ankle sprains is rarely, if ever, indicated. Patients who continue to sustain multiple recurrent inversion sprains despite a supervised rehabilitation program aimed at improving proprioception and strengthening of the peroneal muscles are candidate for surgical reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments.