Ankle sprains are very serious injuries that can cause lifelong problems. Sometimes people may experience sharp or recurring pain and tingling after spraining their ankle joint. The most serious symptom after an ankle injury is hesitation to perform certain activities or move the ankle in a certain way because of the fear that the same injury might occur again. Still, people think that rehabilitation and treatment are not necessary to get relief from ankle sprain, and believe that it will heal with time. However, this is not the case.
Rehabilitation exercises are important and help the ankle to heal completely. Physiotherapy is an effective treatment for ankle sprains. It can provide relief, speed up the recovery process and reduce the chances of recurrence.
In this blog, we will look at how physiotherapy can help reduce pain and get you back to a healthy lifestyle.
What is an Ankle Sprain?
An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments are stretched beyond their natural length and the force is absorbed by secondary rigid structures such as surrounding muscles and the joint capsule. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, bruising, and limping.
In a typical ankle sprain, when there is no fracture, the injury to the ligaments and supporting tissue causes swelling and decreased stability in the ankle tissues.
Once the initial swelling and pain has been controlled, it will be important to strengthen and retrain the muscles around the ankle to improve joint stability and prevent future injuries.
Symptoms of Ankle Sprain
An ankle sprain is caused by an accident, such as rolling over or stepping down stairs incorrectly, or walking on uneven ground. This causes pain and swelling in the affected area, and difficulty in walking. The pain also causes muscle disruption. This is commonly seen in people involved in sports. The symptoms and signs of an ankle sprain are as follows:
The above are the major symptoms and signs. Some other, less common symptoms and signs of a sprain may be as follows:
The pain of an ankle sprain can range from mild to severe. A mild case of sprain may not require medical care or even worry about the injury. In case of a severe sprain, it is usually difficult to stand on the injured leg.
The severity of the pain also depends on the severity of the injury. Grade I, II and III injuries are classified as follows:
A grade I ankle sprain causes minor damage to the ligaments of the foot. It is characterized by swelling and pain in the affected area. There is mild swelling and stiffness in the joint.
A grade II sprain causes a break in the ligaments, tendons or small bones present in the ankle region. The patient experiences swelling, bruising and pain at the injury site. It may also cause swelling in the legs and difficulty in walking. Mild cases can be treated at home with rest and necessary assistive devices like crutches.
A grade III sprain is the most severe form of the injury. It can cause swelling and deformity of the ankle joint. The pain may also be accompanied by a feeling of instability in the ankle joint. This happens when the ligaments or tendons are partially or completely torn. Surgical treatment is recommended in such cases, as it helps keep the ankle stable.
Sometimes, a fourth-degree sprain may also occur depending on the severity of the injury. In this case too, surgical treatment is required for complete recovery.
Ankle sprains are classified into different categories according to their severity and symptoms. Irrespective of the category, sprains can cause pain and discomfort. It is important to treat this condition as early as possible for a quick recovery.
How do you prevent spraining your ankle?
If you have sprained your ankle, you can understand the severity of the injury which makes walking extremely difficult. Therefore, it is best to prevent it to avoid problems later on.
To avoid recurring ankle sprains, you should wear supportive shoes and avoid high heels or flat-soled shoes if possible. Avoid or minimise all activities that cause the most swelling or pressure. Try soaking in ice to see if this is a solution. If the swelling persists, elevate the ankle and do some ankle pumping if possible. It is best to visit your doctor or physiotherapist for proper guidance and treatment.
Physiotherapy treatment for ankle sprain
Physiotherapy treatment involves a number of steps to help you get relief from the pain and discomfort of ankle sprain.
Strengthening exercises
A physiotherapist will recommend strengthening exercises to help you regain mobility in the ankle and strengthen the muscles around it. These exercises are also called neuromuscular exercises.
Mobilization Therapy
When you sprain your ankle, it is important to regain full range of motion. Additionally, you need to reduce pain to lead a normal life and carry out daily activities smoothly. For this, physiotherapists can perform mobilization around your ankle joint and soft tissues to reduce swelling or muscle stiffness.
In addition to exercise, taping and bracing the ankle can also help. These support your muscles and ligaments as you go about your daily activities, and give you the confidence to fully function your ankle.
Ideal Spine Posture is a trusted Chiropractor and Physiotherapy clinic in Paschim Vihar, Delhi, we always ready to help people. we have run my clinic for the last 15 years and specialize in treating orthopedic injuries. It is a very satisfying experience to see patients recover from their injuries!
