Which range-of-motion assessments are included in the diagnosis of an ankle sprain?

Which range-of-motion assessments are included in the diagnosis of an ankle sprain?

• A. Only AROM
• B. AROM, PROM, and RROM
• C. Only PROM
• D. No ROM assessment

Answer: (B)

Assessing an ankle sprain requires looking at all three aspects of range of motion: active, passive, and resisted. Active range of motion shows how much the patient can move the ankle on their own and how much pain or limitation occurs during movement, reflecting functional tolerance. Passive range of motion is tested by the clinician moving the joint without the patient’s effort, which helps identify end-feel, stiffness, and capsular or ligamentous involvement. Resisted range of motion puts demand on the surrounding muscles to see strength and whether pain is coming from the joint or the muscle-tendon units. Using all three together gives a complete picture of irritability, range, and strength, which is essential for diagnosing the severity of the sprain and planning treatment. Relying on only one type of ROM, or skipping ROM assessment, would miss important information about how the injury affects motion, stability, and function.

Assessing an ankle sprain requires looking at all three aspects of range of motion: active, passive, and resisted. Active range of motion shows how much the patient can move the ankle on their own and how much pain or limitation occurs during movement, reflecting functional tolerance. Passive range of motion is tested by the clinician moving the joint without the patient’s effort, which helps identify end-feel, stiffness, and capsular or ligamentous involvement. Resisted range of motion puts demand on the surrounding muscles to see strength and whether pain is coming from the joint or the muscle-tendon units.

Using all three together gives a complete picture of irritability, range, and strength, which is essential for diagnosing the severity of the sprain and planning treatment. Relying on only one type of ROM, or skipping ROM assessment, would miss important information about how the injury affects motion, stability, and function.