Ankle sprains are painful and debilitating injuries that require plenty of rest and rehabilitation to heal properly. If you have one ankle sprain, you’re at high risk of re-injuring yourself in the same spot again.
The good news?
Physical therapy can help you overcome your chronic ankle sprain and get back to doing the things you love without pain or fear of injury! Let’s take a look at how physical therapy can help with the treatment of chronic ankle sprains, including some common causes and treatment plans for recovery!
What is a Chronic Ankle Sprain?
A chronic ankle sprain is the repeated injury of the ligaments that stabilize and strengthen the ankle joint. The severity of each injury can vary, but it may be more likely to experience another sprain in the same location if you have already experienced one.
The most common type of chronic ankle instability is an anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) or posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL) sprain.
PTFL sprains are less common, as they are usually caused by a significant event such as stepping off an uneven surface or twisting your foot on uneven ground. These injuries are often associated with other injuries such as fractures, dislocations and nerve entrapment syndromes. In some cases, the instability can lead to degenerative changes of cartilage and tendons in the ankle joint which can result in arthritis.
Causes of a Chronic Ankle Sprain
There are many possible causes of a chronic ankle sprain. But the most common is when there is damage to the ligaments in the ankle. This injury can occur as the result of repeated sprains or trauma to the ankle joint. The most common symptom of this injury is pain and instability in the joint.
A physical therapist will assess your range of motion and stability to determine how best to rehabilitate your ankle. In some cases, it may be necessary for surgery if the injury is severe enough. If you have had an episode where you twisted your ankle violently and cannot bear weight on it, you should go see a doctor immediately!
Injuries such as these can lead to fractures and even more significant injuries. If you are diagnosed with chronic ankle instability, then come in today to meet with one of our friendly physical therapists who will help you get back on track!
Physical therapy is vital to those suffering from chronic ankle instability. It restores balance and allows for full recovery, allowing sufferers to get back into their lives without fear of reinjuring themselves. With our help, soon your ankle will feel better than ever before! So what are you waiting for? Make an appointment with one of our physical therapists today!
Symptoms of a Chronic Ankle Sprain
A chronic ankle sprain is an injury that occurs when the ligaments of the ankle are stretched or torn and can happen to anyone physically active. The most common symptoms are pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Left untreated, it can lead to chronic ankle instability. The severity of symptoms depends on the degree of damage to the ankle’s ligaments.
Recovery time varies depending on how severe your condition is. Some people recover in six weeks while others may take up to twelve months. Early treatment by a physical therapist in Dubai will help reduce long-term problems with mobility and stability as well as make your recovery quicker.
Don’t let a chronic ankle sprain slow you down. Get help from our physical therapist today!
How can Physical Therapy help?
Physical therapy can help by rehabilitating the ankle joint and addressing the strength, balance, coordination, flexibility and proprioception deficits that can lead to chronic ankle instability. This helps you get back to your day-to-day activities as soon as possible.
Physical therapists work with patients to identify what may be contributing to their instability and help them develop an exercise program for home or use at the clinic. Working together with the physical therapist, you’ll also be encouraged to pay attention to your technique when participating in sports or other high-risk activities like going upstairs.
This will help ensure that you’re less likely to injure yourself again and also prevent future episodes of chronic instability. If you’ve tried everything but have not yet found relief, it’s time to consult with a physical therapist. Give us a call today at Shifa Healthcare and we’ll take care of the rest!
How To Prevent A Chronic Ankle Sprain?
Chronic Ankle Instability can be difficult to manage without the help of a physical therapist. Luckily, there are many ways to prevent this condition and save your ankles from excessive wear and tear.
Here are steps you can take to keep your ankles healthy:
1) Make sure your feet are aligned properly in your shoes. If you have one foot that is longer than the other, this will put more stress on the shorter side of the body and increase your risk for chronic ankle instability. Keep both feet on an even surface when you stand up and if possible, walk with both feet parallel to each other.
2) Strengthen muscles that support the ankle such as those in the lower leg (gastrocnemius and soleus). Strengthening these muscles will make them stronger so they can better support the ankle joint when it becomes unstable during movement or activity. Try strengthening these muscles by doing calf raises where you raise yourself off the ground using only your toes and then lower yourself back down again using only your toes. Do sets of 10-15 repetitions at least two times per day.
3) Learn to recognize any symptoms of Chronic Ankle Instability such as repeated pain, swelling in the ankle joint and redness around the area. When you start to feel any of these symptoms, stop what you’re doing immediately and consult with a physical therapist before continuing activities that may worsen your injury.
4) Avoid repetitive motions where you repeatedly place weight through one foot as this puts too much pressure on that ankle joint.
Physical therapy helps patients recover from injuries like chronic ankle instability. Because it offers gentle treatments like modalities, ice therapy, heat therapy or massage techniques which decrease inflammation and speed up healing.
The Importance of Early Intervention
Early intervention is key to getting the best outcome possible. The earlier an ankle sprain is dealt with, the better. If you’re experiencing chronic ankle instability, you must see a physical therapist right away. Early intervention can help reduce pain and prevent future injuries.
In addition to providing immediate relief, our physical therapists can also design exercises tailored to your individual needs to help you regain mobility and strength in your ankle. Physical therapy for chronic ankle instability requires an extensive program of therapeutic exercise, education and training.
Some examples of exercises we might prescribe are
- Strengthening your calf muscles
- Doing balance training
- Gait training
- Walking on uneven surfaces
- Learning how to use crutches or other assistive devices
It may take several weeks for your symptoms to start improving but don’t give up. We’ll be there every step of the way! And remember, early intervention is crucial to getting the best possible outcome. So contact us today if you need treatment for chronic ankle instability
