Why You Should See a Physiotherapist For Your Sprained Ankle

December 19, 2021

A sprained ankle is a minor injury. However, if left untreated, it can easily become a chronic problem.

A sprained ankle can be very painful, and if you’re in pain, you’ll want to get it checked out. So why not go to a medical professional who’s trained in treating sprained ankles? 

In this article, we’ll look at why you should see a physiotherapist for your sprained ankle and how a physiotherapist can help you get back on your feet.

What’s the best way to treat a sprained ankle?

A sprained ankle is one of those injuries that can really disrupt your life and cause you to feel miserable. The good news is that it doesn’t take much to make the pain go away. The best treatment is to ice the ankle immediately after the injury. It will help reduce swelling and help bring down the pain. The goal is to keep the ankle motionless.

Also, you can visit a physiotherapist. As mentioned above, the physiotherapist can offer you a number of different treatment options.

How to prevent sprains?

Sprained ankles are painful and can keep you from doing your favourite activities.

To prevent ankle sprains, you should make sure to warm up your ankle before you start doing any intense activity, such as running or jumping. Once you begin running or jumping, you should gradually increase your speed. You should also ensure that you’re wearing the correct footwear for your sport.

Unfortunately, there is no way to eliminate the risk of injury in sport and leisure activities to zero. Even if it doesn’t seem like you’re doing anything wrong, you can still suffer an injury. The most important thing is to remain aware of the factors that lead to injuries.

Why should you see a physiotherapist?

Physiotherapy is a type of therapy that uses physical movements and exercises to cure the body. It is commonly used to treat sprained ankles. 

When the ankle is sprained, the ligaments and tendons have been stretched and twisted out of their normal position. As a result, they are unable to hold the joint in place. If not treated properly, the ankle can become swollen and red and even experience aching, cramping, and bruising. The ligaments and tendons need to be re-strengthened and realigned so they can function normally again.

To illustrate this, think about your leg muscles when you’re walking: if you walk with poor posture, your leg muscles will fatigue more quickly than they would if you were able to maintain proper alignment. Similarly, if you’re unable to keep your foot and ankle appropriately aligned, the muscles and tendons that are used to support them can become injured. A physiotherapist will assess your ankle and determine the best treatment option for you to get back on your feet.

Types of treatment

They may use different techniques depending on how severe it is. Treatment options may include:

Stretching: This is usually done by a physiotherapist. It involves gently stretching the muscles and tendons of the ankle. The goal is to gradually increase the range of motion of the ankle and make sure it’s able to move as it should. This is an important part of the healing process and helps to prevent any further injury.

Ice: If you’re unable to exercise your ankle, you can use ice packs to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Ice packs are applied to the ankle and are left on for several minutes at a time.

A splint: A splint is used when you need to keep your foot still – motionless while walking. They can help prevent ankle fractures and dislocations, which are common injuries in children.

Taping: Taping involves wrapping an elastic bandage around your ankle to help prevent further injury. This can be done by a physiotherapist or orthotics.

Mobilization: Mobilization is used to modulate pain and treat joint dysfunctions that limit the range of motion (ROM) by specifically addressing the altered mechanics of the joint. 

Stabilization: Stabilisation is used to reduce the risk of future sprains. This can be done by a physiotherapist or orthotics.

Flexibility: Flexibility exercises can be done at home or a gym. These exercises can help improve your range of motion and increase the strength of your ankle muscles.

Your physiotherapist will work with you to develop a set of exercises that are suitable for you. Some exercises may include:

Strengthening exercises: These are designed to strengthen the muscles around the ankle. It is important to do these exercises after being given instructions on how to perform them. This way, you’re able to continue your recovery and prevent any further injury.

Balance and mobility exercises: These exercises help the ankle to maintain its natural position.

Once you feel comfortable with your exercises, you can begin to increase your training intensity. This is done by adding more repetitions or increasing the weight you’re lifting.

You may also use a band to support your ankle during exercises. Your physiotherapist can advise you on the best type of band for you.

What to expect after treatment?

In brief, you’ll experience some pain and stiffness for a few days, but you’ll be able to resume your normal activities within a week or so. Your physiotherapist will advise you on how to take care of your ankle and what to avoid while you’re recovering. You may need to use ice packs and wear a compression bandage.

How long will my ankle injury last?

The moderate ankle sprain usually lasts for 1 to 3 weeks, but it can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the type of treatment you receive.

After you’ve been given treatment for an ankle sprain, you should be able to resume your normal activities within a week or two. However, you may feel some discomfort for several weeks.

A sprain can be painful, but it’s not usually dangerous. If you’re experiencing any pain, your physiotherapist will be able to help.

In conclusion, the best way to prevent a sprain is to strengthen your muscles before getting injured. 

When you are working out, you should make sure that you are doing it right. If you are using the wrong techniques, you could hurt yourself. It is important to know how to do the exercises correctly so you won’t have any problems with your muscles.

Reading: Why You Should See a Physiotherapist For Your Sprained Ankle

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Northwest Rehab Group

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Reading: Why You Should See a Physiotherapist For Your Sprained Ankle