The Importance of Functional Examination in Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries, particularly in sports and active populations. While imaging and palpation can provide useful structural information, it is the functional examination that offers the clearest insight into the severity, stability, and impact of the injury on real-life movement.
🔍 Why Functional Assessment Matters
After an ankle sprain—especially a lateral ligament injury—it’s not enough to simply identify swelling or tenderness. Understanding how the ankle performs under load, during balance tasks, or in dynamic movement is key to:
In short, the functional examination bridges the gap between injury and performance. It ensures that recovery isn't just about pain reduction, but about restoring true, confident movement — where it matters most.
