Ankle Injuries
Ankle injuries are frequent and common in individuals ranging from teenagers to older adults. Ankle sprains are often most troubling and painful when acutely present.
The difficulty associated with an ankle injury can often lead to:
- pain with weightbearing or standing
- difficulty with uneven surfaces
- problems with stair negotiation (especially descending)
- inability to wear shoes that have a heel
- stress fracture if left untreated
- recurring sprains
- hip and ankle problems due to compensatory movements
Physical therapy aims to reduce inflammation and regain strength and mobility of the ankle and lower quarter in order to restore proprioception (joint position awareness) and ankle kinesthesia, or the sense of movement. These factors weigh heavily on the ability of individuals to return to their prior level of activity and function and avoid chronic injury.
An evaluation by a physical therapist can help to alleviate pain, swelling and inflammation quickly without the use of nonsteroidal anti inflammatory medication or painkillers and has no harmful side effects.
