Tennis is a demanding physical sport that requires hand-eye coordination as you run, move from side-to-side and change directions. The International Tennis Federation indicates that ankle sprains are the most common tennis injury. Ankle sprains in tennis may be the result of a traumatic injury or poor technique and improper conditioning.
Ankle Sprains
An ankle sprain is the rolling or twisting of your ankle, which results in the overstretching of your ankle ligaments. Ankle sprains in tennis most commonly occur as the result of landing on the outside of your foot, according to the International Tennis Federation. When your foot turns too far inward, the lateral ligaments of your ankle are injured. These ligaments are relatively weak from the start. You can also sprain you ankle by rolling your ankle outward which causes damage to your medial ankle ligament. Your medial ankle ligament is much stronger than your lateral ankle ligament and accounts for very few tennis ankle injuries.
Symptoms
If you sprain your ankle while playing tennis, you will likely recall rolling or twisting your ankle. This usually results in immediate pain. You may also notice swelling and bruising around your ankle. Your range of motion may be compromised and depending on the severity of your sprain you may find it difficult to walk or you may walk with a limp.
Treatment
You should discontinue tennis immediately following an ankle sprain and seek treatment. For the first two days following an ankle sprain, you should get plenty of rest, ice your ankle, apply an elastic bandage for compression and try to keep your ankle elevated as much as possible. If pain persists or you are unable to walk immediately following your ankle sprain, visit with a doctor. Your doctor can help to rule out a fracture or determine if crutches or any type of immobilization is necessary.
Rehabilitation
Your doctor may prescribe physical therapy in order to help strengthen and improve the range of motion in your ankle. Rehabilitation can begin when most of your pain and swelling has subsided -- generally two to five days. When you do begin to rehab your ankle, never push yourself to the point where you are experiencing pain. You should perform a series of foot and ankle strengthening and range of motion exercises. These can include ankle circles, ankle pumps, heel raises, heel walking, toe walking, balance exercises and range of motion exercises using a resistance band. You can also participate in low-impact activities such as bicycling or swimming.
Returning to the Game
Once you are pain free and have been able to strengthen and increase the range of motion in your ankle, you can return to tennis. According to the Hughston Sports Medicine Foundation, you should use an ankle brace for the first six weeks of play following an injury. Remember to always stretch prior to playing in order to loosen your ligaments, muscles and joints. You should also take it slow -- start by hitting some tennis balls against a wall -- and discontinue play if you experience pain.
