Ankle Sprains: Immediate and Long-Term Treatment

You don’t have to be an athlete to sprain an ankle. It can happen to anyone at any time, simply by landing wrong when stepping or slipping on the ice.

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However, for every 10 ankle sprains, 4 of them occur with sports according to the Journal of Orthopedic Sports Physical Therapy.  In fact, basketball is the most common sport for an ankle sprain to occur with nearly 45 percent of players being injured.  This is followed by soccer at 31 percent according to the National Athletic Trainer Association. 

A sprained ankle is an injury that occurs when you roll, twist or turn your ankle in an odd way.  This can stretch or tear the tough bands of tissue (ligaments) that stabilize your ankle bones.

Ligaments help stabilize joints, preventing excessive movement. Most sprained ankles involve injuries to the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. 

An ankle sprain usually takes between 2 weeks to 2 months to heal. The ankle will feel better in a few weeks, but it will take several months to restore your strength. A severely sprained ligament, however, can take 9 months to 1 year to heal.

When you sprain your ankle, you may feel or observe the following symptoms:

  1. Pain
  2. Bruising and swelling
  3. Tenderness at the inside or outside of your ankle
  4. Difficulty walking and weight bearing
  5. Stiffness
  6. Weakness
  7. Instability

It’s important in the first 24-48 hours to apply the strategy RICE!

R- Rest

I – Ice

C – Compression

E – Elevate

However, do not stop moving your ankle. Stiffness can create more pain. Walk on your ankle as soon as you can tolerate. It is okay in the first few days of recovery to use crutches or a cane for pain control or stability.

It is important to remember that research has proven that physical therapy can help people with ankle sprains recover more quickly.   Physical therapy can improve ankle sprains by developing comprehensive programs for both athletes and non-athletes. Programs may target the following areas:

  1. Pain and swelling reduction. You will learn how to avoid or modify your daily and sports activities to allow healing. Your physical therapist may also use different types of treatments to control and reduce your pain and swelling including: ice, heat, electrical stimulation, taping, specific exercises, and hands-on therapy.
  2. Motion and Flexibility. Creating specific exercises or hands-on techniques to improve range of motion more quickly.
  3. Ankle sprains may cause instability or give way to the ankle joint.  A physical therapist will choose and teach you the correct exercises to safely restore your strength.
  4. Regaining your sense of balance is important for safety and stability especially when un uneven surfaces or when playing sports.
  5. Agility and Speed. Speed and accuracy of leg movement is important in athletics and in many daily activities as we complete tasks quickly and suddenly.

Also know that physical therapy can help prevent future ankle sprains. If you have sprained your ankle once, you are at greater risk for reinjury in the future, especially if the ligaments did not heal properly or you did not regain proper strength. Please also note that if you return to sports or other activities too soon after injury, your ankle might give you persistent pain or might easily or frequently reinjure. 

At PRO Physical Therapy, our physical and occupational therapists want you to safely return to your activities and sports and prevent future injuries.  Please contact PRO to make an appointment about your ankle today. 

Stay fit, motivated, and challenged!   

 
Scan our QR Code with your phone to visit PRO Physical Therapy Website!

You can also click on our website link:  https://prophysicaltherapyservices.com

270-252-7600

302 US HWY 68 West

Benton KY 42082 

Schedule Your Consultation at PRO Physical Therapy

Are you ready to end your muscle or joint pain? PRO Physical Therapy can help you get started today. To find out more about direct access and our physical therapy services in Marshall County, Kentucky, call 270-252-7600 and schedule an initial evaluation and our experienced insurance can verify your insurance coverage.

Stay fit, motivated, and challenged!   

 
Scan our QR Code with your phone to visit PRO Physical Therapy Website!

You can also click on our website link:  https://prophysicaltherapyservices.com

270-252-7600

302 US HWY 68 West

Benton KY 42082 

Schedule Your Consultation at PRO Physical Therapy

Are you ready to end your muscle or joint pain? PRO Physical Therapy can help you get started today. To find out more about direct access and our physical therapy services in Marshall County, Kentucky, call 270-252-7600 and schedule an initial evaluation and our experienced insurance can verify your insurance coverage.