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

5 Strengthening Exercises Following Lower-Limb Amputations

During inpatient rehabilitation, your therapy team will guide you through a personalized strengthening program designed to support your recovery. This program focuses on building the key muscle groups needed for safe and effective mobility with a prosthesis. Continuing these exercises at home is essential for maintaining progress and maximizing independence.

Managing Phantom Limb Pain

Losing a limb is a life-changing experience—physically, emotionally, and mentally. One of the more unexpected and often misunderstood aspects of limb loss is phantom limb pain (PLP). Despite the limb no longer being there, individuals may continue to feel sensations—sometimes painful—where the limb used to be. But why does this happen, and what can be done about it? Let’s break it down.

Spring Into Action with the Proper Garden Tools and Accessories

Now that spring has sprung, it’s time to tend those gardens! Just be careful not to overextend your body into positions that have been dormant all winter. Gardening can require you to bend, lift, and twist in ways that can injure your back, knees, or other parts of your body. While garden tools can make your digging and planting easier, sometimes the use of tools encourages poor positioning or increases the chance of injury.

5 Exercises For Concussions

A concussion is defined as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) induced by direct or indirect force transmitted to the head. Looking at the statistics, there were 27.16 million new TBI cases globally in 2019. Nationally, there were approximately 214,110 TBI-related hospitalizations in 2020 and 69,473 TBI-related deaths in 2021.² Approximately 80% of all TBIs are classified as mild head injuries (CDC). These numbers highlight the significant public health impact concussions have worldwide, and the importance of proper evaluation and management.

What to Wear to Physical Therapy

When heading to physical therapy, comfort and functionality are key. Your attire can significantly impact the effectiveness of your session, affecting your ability to move freely, follow your therapist’s instructions, and perform exercises with ease. The right clothing not only promotes flexibility but also allows your therapist to evaluate your movements and address areas that need attention. Here’s what to wear – and what to avoid – for a successful visit!

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.