Ouch, My Ankle Hurts!
Ankle pain and sprains are very common in people of all walks of life, not just athletes. If you are on your feet all day, the chances are that you are at a higher risk for ankle pain. Ankle injuries and sprains result when the foot exceeds its normal range of motion. Your ankles play a vital role in connecting your foot with your lower leg. They provide stability and strength while walking, jogging, sitting or simply when you stand on any kind of surface. As a result, it is crucial to take care of your ankles. One of the common disorders related to ankles is the ankle sprain. Your physical therapist can help determine the cause of your ankle pain, prescribe a course of treatment, and get you on the road to recovery.
Ankle Sprain: Frequent Injury Among Athletic Population.
An ankle sprain is an injury to tissues or ligaments that are responsible for keeping the bones of your leg connected to the foot. The common cause of Ankle Sprain is accidental twists caused while walking or playing sports. This causes severe pain which is sometimes unbearable, demanding immediate medical attention.
Common Causes for Ankle Sprain
If not healed in time, an Ankle sprain can lead to severe complications like tearing of the ligaments or a distorted gait. Here a few common causes of ankle pain one needs to be aware of:
- Injury to the ankle while playing any kind of sports
- Ruptured Tendon
- Obesity
- Muscle fatigue
- Nerve damage or compression of the nerves
- Medical conditions like Arthritis, tendonitis
- Cartilage damage of the ankle joints
- Jogging with inappropriate shoes can cause an Ankle Sprain
Ankle Sprain Symptoms
A person with ankle pain or sprain will notice either of the symptoms mentioned below:
- Significant swelling around the ankle
- Tenderness and severe pain
- Ankle stiffness
- Fracture or a tumour at ankle or foot
- Bruising around the ankle joints
- Discoloration of the skin around the ankle joints
- Pain or discomfort while walking
- Numbness or tingling in the legs
- Dislocation of the ankle joint
- Weakness or instability
Ankle Sprain Treatment
Treating ankle sprain depends on the severity of the injury. For instance, sprain caused by twisting of the ankle can be treated by placing ice packs or heat pads on the area. If the pain or swelling persists for more than 4 to 5 days and shows no signs of recovery, then consulting your doctor is recommended. Here are a few significant ways to get relief from ankle pain:
Physical Therapy
More often, physical therapy is the best to treat all medical conditions related to the ankle. The physical therapists will ask you to do some common exercises like stretching, lifting, etc., to regain mobility and relieve the pain.
Medications
If you are tendonitis, bursitis or arthritis patient and are suffering from an ankle pain, the doctors generally prescribe NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications) to alleviate the Ankle Sprain Symptoms.
Surgery
In rare cases, when your tendons, cartilages or nerves get damaged, the physician advises you to undergo surgery. Surgery helps you to regain mobility and strength in your ligaments.
How We Treat Ankle Pain
Your physical therapist will recommend treatment modalities based on initial examination, any underlying conditions, and in certain cases, any recommendations your physician might make. Direct Access makes it possible for you to see a physical therapist without the need for a prescription.
Treating Ankle Sprain at an early stage can help reduce the symptoms of an Ankle Injury. With proper medications and exercises recommended by your physical therapists, you will be able to get back to your normal activities. Why suffer in ankle pain, Call RVA Physical Therapy at 804-396-6753 today! You can also book your appointment online
We are conveniently located in the west end on the corner of Three Chopt and Gaskins Road and offer Same Day and late evening Appointments till 6 pm on weekdays and also open most Saturdays from 9.00 am – 12 Noon!
For Ankle Sprain Treatment In Henrico VA, connect with us
Direct Access
More information on direct access can be found here: https://www.rvaphysicaltherapy.com/direct-access/