Long-term consequence lateral ankle sprain : a significant public and sports medicine concern in physical active populations

Abstract

Participation in physical activity has an important role in a healthy lifestyle. However, it is associated with an inherent risk of injury. A lateral ankle sprains (LAS) is the most prevalent lower extremity injury in sports and everyday life, posing a substantial healthcare burden and resulting in many long-term complications. Despite the attention and focus ankle sprains receive, it has been reported that up to 74% of individuals who experience an ankle sprain suffer from some type of residual symptoms, perceived instability (repeated episodes of “giving-way”), recurrent ankle sprains, and/or self-assessed disability, which may be termed as chronic ankle instability (CAI). The presence of CAI decreases activity levels, limits occupational involvements, and adversely impacts quality of life, as well as develops an early onset of degenerative pathology in the ankle, requiring costly medical diagnostic techniques and extensive treatments. Therefore, CAI is a significant public health concern in the physically active population and an economic burden of the global health care systems. With increasing government and societal emphasis on physical activity, the incidence of CAI would remain constant or increase as more individuals participate in physical activities. Researchers and clinicians must work together to minimize complications of CAI to maximize the potential health benefits of a physically active lifestyle.