148 Ankle Ligament Injury

The majority of handball players with acute lateral ankle ligament injuries are now treated with functional treatment. The decision for this approach as the first choice is predominantly based on three factors: 1. that the majority will recover without chronic complaints, 2. its cost effectiveness and 3. the absence of potential postoperative risks. The impact therapy aims at an optimal return to play. The second aim is preventing functional instability-related symptoms. Persistent functional instability may lead to ankle impingement, osteochondral defects and, eventually, osteoarthritis.