Why You Need To See A Physiotherapist For Ankle Sprain?
Sprained ankles are a common injury but also one of the most neglected. It is often believed that ankle sprains can be minor injuries. Most will heal within a few weeks.
Untreated ankle sprains could have long-term consequences. However, physiotherapy can be a proactive intervention to prevent these problems from becoming serious.
What causes a sprained ankle?
There are many ankle sprains, but the most common and well-known is the supination sprain. Supination is a rotation of the body. In ankle sprains, the foot "rolls outwards" so the sole of the other foot faces.
The foot landing often causes the sudden roll of the ankle on an uneven surface or jumping. Ankle sprains can be caused by running over a curb, hitting another player in sports, or getting your foot stuck in a pothole.
Ankle sprains are more common in beginner runners because they lack the strength and stability to run, which causes the foot to roll forwards.
There is a predictable order in which ligaments are likely to be damaged depending on severity. The most common are the talofibular and calcaneofibular laterals (ATFL and CFL), followed by the posterior-talofibular (PTFL), which is less frequently injured.
How can a Physiotherapist treat ankle sprain?
It is best to see us within three days after your ankle injury. We will manage your recovery better if you get to us as soon as possible.
First, we need to determine which ligaments are affected and examine the bones of your feet to see if any damage has occurred. This could require an MRI or X-ray. For severe injuries, a protective boot may be necessary for several weeks to allow the bones and ligaments to heal. An orthopedic surgeon may recommend you see us.
The next step in most cases is to restore ankle movement if there is no evidence of fracture or ligament damage. These are controlled, gentle movements that you can do at home. They also include prescribed exercises and pain relief to help with swelling and tenderness.
After the swelling and pain have subsided, we will recommend a few simple balance exercises and strengthening exercises for your ankle to restore its full functionality and correct any limitations in movement that may have occurred during your healing process.
If you have suffered severe ankle injuries or are at risk of recurring sprains in the future, we may recommend braces and taping to support your ankle. We will continue our rehabilitation to ensure that further injuries do not impede your progress.
We can expect to restore your full range of motion for minor sprains in a matter of weeks. There is minimal risk of recurrence. As physiotherapists, our goal is not just to treat injuries but to prevent them from occurring in the future.
If you would like to book an appointment with the clinic, call us on 020 7837 0586 or email us at info@physio-medicine.co.uk
