Test OVERVIEW

Fractures and sprains are the most frequently occurring ankle injuries. However, tendon tears and strains can also happen.  Ankle injuries are typically categorized by which tissue is injured, i.e. tendon (tendinopathy or tendonitis), muscle (strain or tear), ligament (sprained ankle) or bone (fracture).

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WHY

​Why would you test ankle strength?  Ankle injuries are often thought of as sports injuries. But you don't have to be an athlete or even a "weekend warrior" to turn your ankle and hurt it. Something as simple as walking on an uneven surface can cause a painful, debilitating sprain.  Ankle injuries can happen to anyone at any age. However, men between 15 and 24 years old have higher rates of ankle sprain, compared with women older than age 30 who have higher rates than men. Half of all ankle sprains occur during an athletic activity. Every day in the U.S., 25,000 people sprain their ankle. And more than 1 million people visit emergency rooms each year because of ankle injuries. The most common ankle injuries are sprains and fractures, which involve ligaments and bones in the ankle. But you can also tear or strain a tendon.

 

RECOMMENDED

Who is ankle strength testing recommended for?  Ankle strength testing is recommended for every age athlete regardless of the sport they participate.

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HOW OFTEN

How often should you test your ankle strength? Ankle strength testing is recommended every 6-12 months. After an ankle injury tests should be completed more frequently.

 

BODY PARTS

​Which body parts are tested?  Ankle strength testing specifically targets the athletes ankles.

 

RESULTS

What are the results of this test?  The results of an ankle strength test will rate the likelihood of incurring an ankle injury based on the athletes stability.

 

SUMMARY

 What does this help to improve?  It is important not to put any weight on the ankle until after it's been evaluated by a doctor, which should be done as soon as possible. Fractures and sprains that are ignored or aren't treated properly can lead to long-term chronic problems with the ankle, such as repeated injury, ankle weakness, and arthritis.

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