Do I Need Physical Therapy for my Ankle Sprain or Twist?

Many people suffer from the pain of a twisted ankle. Officially known as an ankle sprain, it is one of the most common injuries today; however, not all ankle sprains are the same. While some people can recover on their own, more severe sprains often need prompt medical attention to ensure a full and speedy recovery.

What is an ankle sprain?

The foot and ankle are made up of 28 bones that all work together. Our ligaments are bands of connective tissue that help stabilize these bones to one another. An ankle sprain occurs when those ligaments are stretched more than they can handle, which results in an injury.

Sprains are graded on a scale. The least serious are Grade 1 sprains, where the ligament is still intact. The most serious are Grade 3 sprains where there is tearing of one or more ligaments. A medical professional, such as a physical therapist, can help evaluate the extent of the injury by measuring pain, swelling, range of motion, balance, and by performing special tests directly to the ligaments.

How do I know if I need physical therapy?

When in doubt, you should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Early treatment can help speed up recovery and rule out additional injury, such as an ankle fracture.

If at any time after spraining your ankle you are unable to take at least four steps on that foot, you should consult with a medical professional immediately as x-rays may be needed.

Another important sign to look out for is bony tenderness. While this sometimes occurs with a sprain, tenderness over a bone can also be a sign of fracture. It can be very difficult to accurately assess without training, so it is always best to be examined by a healthcare professional in case x-rays are needed.

Grade 1 sprains often heal well on their own, while Grade 2 or Grade 3 sprains often need medical attention for proper healing. On average, people with a Grade 1 sprain report a full recovery within a week. As such, if your symptoms last longer than a week, you should see a healthcare provider.

Chronic Ankle Instability

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is another reason you may need physical therapy. Regardless of the severity of the initial sprain, some individuals can have chronic ankle instability even months after the injury. In these cases, patients continue to report that their ankle buckles or that they feel unsteady on it. Thankfully, physical therapy can help. A physical therapist can help create a personalized program to strengthen the supporting muscles, improve balance and agility, and reduce any remaining swelling.

Should you or someone you know need help recovering from an ankle sprain, you can visit a physical therapist at Sheltering Arms without a doctor’s visit first through our Direct Access program. To make an appointment, click here or call (804) 764-1000.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4780668/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7745493/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18374692/

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

Identifying & Treating Rotator Cuff Injuries

An injury to the rotator cuff, or the group of four muscles that help to stabilize your shoulder and allow you to move your arm different directions such as overhead and behind your back, is a common cause of pain among adults. In fact, an estimated 30 percent of adults over age 60 have a rotator cuff tear. Rotator injuries can occur from a traumatic event like a fall; however, it is also common for rotator cuff injuries to develop over time from repetitive use.

How Physical Therapy Can Help Scoliosis

Imagine seeing a tree defiantly growing sideways in your yard, prompting thoughts of how to redirect its growth. In a parallel scenario, teenagers with scoliosis exhibit a noticeable trunk shift in their posture. However, the journey to rectifying their upright stance delves into a realm of complexity and intricacy. Proprioception, the body’s innate sense of movement and position, is the key to unlocking proper posture. Through targeted exercises and activities that enhance balance, coordination, and body awareness, we can reshape the way the brain perceives postural alignment.

Tips to Reduce Stress During the Holidays

The holiday season is meant to be joyful, but it often brings its own set of challenges, from financial stress and crowded social events to managing your health and fitness goals. The good news is that there are steps you can take to reduce stress and enjoy the season with more calmness and clarity.

Why Do I Have to Retrain my Brain to Rehab my Back?

While low back pain is extremely common, it can be difficult to treat, especially if it’s lasted for a long time. In these cases, research recommends that physical therapy interventions should include aerobic exercise, manual therapy as appropriate, and a specific type of patient education called pain neuroscience education, or PNE.

What is Knowledge Translation?

Most of us have been in a situation where we learn something new at a continuing education course, in a new program, or at an in-service that we want to put into practice in the workplace, but nothing ever happens. This happens a lot with evidence-based practice in healthcare. Clinicians want to help their patients achieve the best outcomes, so they learn about new research and techniques; however, there are many reasons why change is hard.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.