Speed recovery from ankle sprains

Issue:

The heel may have been the area of greatest weakness for Greek mythology hero Achilles, but the ankle is actually a much more common site for foot injuries. Sprains alone account for almost 75 percent of ankle injuries. Not only is an ankle sprain a painful inconvenience, but if not treated right, it can lead to reinjury and chronic problems.

Cause:

“The same structure that gives the ankle such great flexibility and stability also makes it susceptible to injury,” explains Brian Freund, a physical therapist and manager of several SSM Rehab outpatient physical therapy clinics. “The bones and joints of the foot and ankle are held together by muscles and ligaments.”

The elasticity of ligaments, much like rubber bands, allows them to stretch with the foot. But when a ligament is forced to stretch beyond its normal limits — perhaps when kicking, jumping or running during an athletic activity or simply stepping wrong off a curb — an ankle sprain may result. Pain or soreness, swelling, bruising, difficulty walking and stiffness in the joint are good indicators of a sprain.

Treatment:

Initial treatment should include R.I.C.E.: Rest immediately afterward; use Ice to bring down inflammation; apply Compression to control swelling; and Elevate the ankle above the heart.

“As soon as acute pain and swelling decrease, physical therapy is recommended to promote recovery,” says Freund. “A therapy program will incorporate exercises to prevent stiffness, increase range of motion and restore normal flexibility and strength to the injured ankle. Developing strength in the ligaments also will help protect the ankle from future injury.”

Learn more:

To get more information on treating ankle sprains or find a physical therapist near you who treats sports and orthopedic injuries, go to www.ssmrehab.com/sprains.