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

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

By: Sean McBride, PT, DPT

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/

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