Introduction

Lateral ankle sprain is the most common musculoskeletal disorder documented in physically active populations.1–5 An acute lateral ankle sprain causes pain and typically results in a temporary period of reduced functioning and disability.6 Early management and follow-up treatment can modulate the healing process and speed up return to desired activities.7 Despite this fact, many patients receive neither supervised nor professionally administered care.8 This suggests that, as an isolated injury occurrence, lateral ankle sprain is often considered an innocuous injury that will heal expediently and with minimal treatment. Unfortunately, the majority of patients with a history of lateral ankle sprain will sustain at least one additional sprain,1 ,9–11 with many developing physical and subjective functional limitations, with ongoing ‘giving-way’ in the affected ankle,6 resulting in the defined condition of chronic ankle instability.12–14

Our group has previously presented standards for defining chronic ankle instability,15–17 documenting its prevalence and most consistent characteristics, to promote refined and focused efforts to research and treat chronic ankle instability. A history of lateral ankle sprain is common in the general population,18 suggesting this is not just a problem among the young and physically active. Compounding the high percentage of the population that reports a history of lateral ankle sprain, is evidence of early onset post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the ankle;19 along with decreases in physical activity levels20–22 and health-related quality of life.23–26 This illustrates that post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the ankle is a degenerative health issue that is not exclusive to middle-aged and elderly populations. Furthermore, the financial impact of lateral ankle sprain is high,5 ,27 ,28 with billions spent annually on initial treatment and follow-up care. The negative consequence of lateral ankle sprain and chronic ankle instability are concerning, and improved efforts to address these conditions must be initiated.

Therefore, the Executive Committee of the International Ankle Consortium presents this position paper with recommendations for information implementation and continued research based on the proposition that lateral ankle sprains, and the development of chronic ankle instability, serve as a conduit to a significant global healthcare burden. We intend our recommendations to serve as a mechanism to promote efforts to improve prevention and early treatment of lateral ankle sprains. We believe this will reduce the prevalence of chronic ankle instability and associated sequelae that can lead to the broader public health burdens of decreased physical activity and early-onset post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the ankle. Ultimately, this can contribute to healthier lifestyles and promotion of physical activity. A comprehensive discussion of the supporting literature for our recommendations is found in a companion review paper that: (1) establishes the burden of lateral ankle sprains and (2) raises awareness of the mid-term and long-term negative consequences of lateral ankle sprains.29

Summary and recommendations

Lateral ankle sprain is the most prevalent musculoskeletal injury in physically active populations as well as a common condition in the general population, and has numerous sequelae that contribute to a substantial healthcare burden. The treatment for lateral ankle sprain is quite variable, with many patients returning to activity in a short period of time;30 however, half of those who incur a lateral ankle sprain may never seek initial treatment.

Injury recurrence rates following lateral ankle sprain are high, leading to a large percentage of patients developing chronic ankle instability.31 Lingering ankle instability contributes to ongoing sensorimotor deficits and constrained functioning, which associate with decreased physical activity and quality of life. Not surprisingly, patients with a history of lateral ankle sprain and chronic ankle instability dominate post-traumatic osteoarthritis cases, which comprise the majority of the ankle joint osteoarthritis surgical cases. Additionally, the onset of post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the ankle is happening relatively early in life.

While the direct costs for treatment of an isolated lateral ankle sprain are relatively low, compounding these costs are the indirect costs from follow-up care and injury-associated time loss. With a large percentage of the population experiencing this injury, the societal costs are high. As these treatment costs for lateral ankle sprains are combined with the costs of managing the loss of physical activity, and treatments for onset and care for post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the ankle, it becomes apparent that the healthcare burden that emerges from a ‘simple’ lateral ankle sprain is substantial.

In our companion evidence review paper, we have expanded on the premise we describe above, and introduce emerging areas that are in need of continued research.29 From that extensive review, the Executive Committee of the International Ankle Consortium proposes the following recommendations for utilising our summary of information, as well as outlining the needs for specific future research. It is our opinion that implementing these recommendations will address this public healthcare burden to reduce the prevalence of lateral ankle sprains, as well as overcome deficits in those who sustain a lateral ankle sprain, ultimately improving the physical activity and quality of life in the sporting and general populations.