Anitha P.,
- Lecturer, Department of Nursing, Anupama College of Nursing, Karnataka, India
Abstract
Ankle sprain is a frequently occurring musculoskeletal injury among athletes and sports participants. If not treated properly, it can result in pain, joint instability, and decreased athletic performance. The present study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of sports persons regarding the management of ankle sprain. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used, involving 100 participants selected through convenience sampling. Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire to assess knowledge related to the causes, signs, and symptoms, and immediate management of ankle sprain. Attitudes and practices were measured through a Likert scale and self-reported responses. The results indicated that most participants possessed general awareness about ankle sprains and their common causes. However, deficiencies were identified in areas such as correct first-aid management and rehabilitation procedures. Participants generally showed a positive attitude toward early treatment and preventive strategies, but their actual practices, including performing proper warm-up exercises, using supportive equipment, and consistently following rehabilitation programs, were not always adequate. The study also found a significant relationship between knowledge and practice scores, suggesting that increased awareness leads to better management behaviors. Overall, the findings emphasize the importance of educational programs aimed at improving both understanding and practical management of ankle sprains among sports persons. Emphasis on structured training programs and awareness campaigns can help sports persons adopt appropriate preventive and management strategies, thereby reducing the risk of recurrent injuries and promoting faster recovery.
Keywords: Ankle sprain, knowledge, attitude, practice, sports persons
[This article belongs to International Journal of Orthopedic Nursing and Practices ]
References
- Gaddi D, Mosca A, Piatti M, Munegato D, Catalano M, Di Lorenzo G, et al. Acute ankle sprain management: An umbrella review of systematic reviews. Front Med (Lausanne). 2022;9:868474. doi:10.3389/fmed.2022.868474. PMID: 35872766; PMCID: PMC9301067.
- Ruiz-Sánchez FJ, Ruiz-Muñoz M, Martín-Martín J, Coheña-Jimenez M, Perez-Belloso AJ, Pilar Romero-Galisteo R, et al. Management and treatment of ankle sprain according to clinical practice guidelines: A PRISMA systematic review. Medicine (Baltimore). 2022;101(42):e31087. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000031087. PMID: 36281183; PMCID: PMC9592509.
- Ortega-Avila AB, Cervera-Garvi P, Marchena-Rodriguez A, Chicharro-Luna E, Nester CJ, Starbuck C, et al. Conservative treatment for acute ankle sprain: A systematic review. J Clin Med. 2020;9(10):3128. doi:10.3390/jcm9103128. PMID: 32992655; PMCID: PMC7599579.
- Altomare D, Fusco G, Bertolino E, Ranieri R, Sconza C, Lipina M, et al. Evidence-based treatment choices for acute lateral ankle sprain: A comprehensive systematic review. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2022;26(6):1876–1884. doi:10.26355/eurrev_202203_28333. PMID: 35363336.
- Seah R, Mani-Babu S. Managing ankle sprains in primary care: What is best practice? A systematic review of the last 10 years of evidence. Br Med Bull. 2011;97:105–135. doi:10.1093/bmb/ldq028. PMID: 20710025.
- Doherty C, Delahunt E, Caulfield B, Hertel J, Ryan J, Bleakley C. The incidence and prevalence of ankle sprain injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective epidemiological studies. Sports Med. 2014;44(1):123–140. doi:10.1007/s40279-013-0102-5. PMID: 24105612.
- Smith RW, Reischl SF. Treatment of ankle sprains in young athletes. Am J Sports Med. 1986;14(6):465–471. doi:10.1177/036354658601400606. PMID: 3099587.
- Hølmer P, Søndergaard L, Konradsen L, Nielsen PT, Jørgensen LN. Epidemiology of sprains in the lateral ankle and foot. Foot Ankle Int. 1994;15(2):72–74. doi:10.1177/107110079401500204. PMID: 7981804.
- Pellicciari L, Piscitelli D, De Vita M, D’Ingianna L, Bacciu S, Perno G, et al. Injuries among Italian DanceSport athletes: A questionnaire survey. Med Probl Perform Art. 2016;31(1):13–17. doi:10.21091/mppa.2016.1003. PMID: 26966959.
- Zahra W, Meacher H, Heaver C. Ankle sprains: a review of mechanism, pathoanatomy and management. Orthop Trauma. 2024;38(1):25–34. doi:10.1016/j.mporth.2023.11.005.
International Journal of Orthopedic Nursing and Practices
| Volume | 04 | |
| Issue | 01 | |
| Received | 25/04/2026 | |
| Accepted | 07/05/2026 | |
| Published | 15/05/2026 | |
| Publication Time | 20 Days |