Lateral ankle sprains (LAS) are the most common injuries associated with physical activity and athletic participation. Up to 70% of individuals who sustain a single LAS will eventually develop chronic ankle instability (CAI), which has been associated with long-term consequences such as decreased health-related quality of life and decreased physical activity. To help mitigate consequences related to CAI, recent studies have investigated different approaches in managing patients who suffer a LAS, including the use of patient-reported outcome measures, clinician-reported outcome measures, and various treatment approaches. Although LAS present a major challenge for health care providers, particularly athletic trainers, little is known about the overall effectiveness of current treatment strategies for LAS. Thus, there is a pressing need to identify effective treatment strategies that will optimize patient outcomes and reduce re-injury risk.

While treatments should be individualized, balance training has been shown to be an effective strategy to improve postural control and reduce recurrent LAS risk, and should be a part of every LAS rehabilitation protocol. ATs should use a combination of patient-reported outcome measures and clinician-rated outcome measures to guide the treatment and management of LAS and to improve patient outcomes, reduce the risk of LAS re-injury, and prevent the onset of CAI.

The specific objectives for this course include the development of the participant’s ability to:

1. Discuss the progression of an acute lateral ankle sprain to chronic ankle instability
2. Describe the evidence regarding the treatment of lateral ankle sprain injuries
3. Identify patient-reported outcome measures and clinician-rated outcome measures appropriate for lateral ankle sprain rehabilitation

According to the education levels described by the PDC, this continuing education course is considered to be Advanced Level, and is appropriate for all athletic trainers.

(0.75 EBP CEUs – FREE)