A sprained ankle is a common musculoskeletal sports injury and it is often treated by
immobilization of the joint. Despite the beneficial effects of this therapeutic
measure, the high prevalence of residual symptoms affects the quality of life, and
remobilization of the joint can reverse this situation. The aim of this study was to
analyze the effects of immobilization and remobilization on the ankle joint of Wistar
rats. Eighteen male rats had their right hindlimb immobilized for 15 days, and were
divided into the following groups: G1, immobilized; G2, remobilized freely for 14
days; and G3, remobilized by swimming and jumping in water for 14 days, performed on
alternate days, with progression of time and a series of exercises. The contralateral
limb was the control. After the experimental period, the ankle joints were processed
for microscopic analysis. Histomorphometry did not show any significant differences
between the control and immobilized/remobilized groups and members, in terms of
number of chondrocytes and thickness of the articular cartilage of the tibia and
talus. Morphological analysis of animals from G1 showed significant degenerative
lesions in the talus, such as exposure of the subchondral bone, flocculation, and
cracks between the anterior and mid-regions of the articular cartilage and the
synovial membrane. Remobilization by therapeutic exercise in water led to recovery in
the articular cartilage and synovial membrane of the ankle joint when compared with
free remobilization, and it was shown to be an effective therapeutic measure in the
recovery of the ankle joint.