Ankle sprains are one of the most common types of injuries that people face especially those who are into sports, those who have to go through strenuous work routines and those who lead busy, active lives. Among all types of ankle sprains a high ankle sprain can be the most painful and difficult to heal. High ankle sprains can take months to heal, and it can be frustrating and hard for the sufferers. If you have suffered from a high ankle sprain, it is essential to see a specialist who can help you pick the right approach for healing your injury. In this blog, we will walk you through some of the best ways to treat a high ankle sprain, including chiropractic care and physiotherapy.
Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic care is an excellent treatment option for a high ankle sprain. It involves specific techniques that can help activate the natural healing process of your body. Chiropractors are trained to work on the joints and soft tissues surrounding the injury, reducing pain levels, increasing flexibility, and improving range of motion. A chiropractor might also suggest some exercises that can help you rebuild muscle strength. Chiropractic treatment is non-invasive and drug-free, which means it is a safe and effective treatment option for those seeking natural healing solutions.
Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy is another great way to heal a high ankle sprain. A physiotherapist can help you develop a plan to manage and reduce pain and swelling, improve range of motion, and regain strength and balance in the affected ankle. Several physiotherapy techniques help treat high ankle sprain, such as therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and heat or ice therapy. Your physiotherapist might also suggest some lifestyle modifications to help speed up the healing process, such as rest, compression bandaging, and keeping your leg elevated when resting.
Immobilization: Immobilizing the injured foot with a brace or cast is a crucial part of treating a high ankle sprain. Through immobilization, the ankle is prevented from unnecessary movement and can allow the ankle joint to heal properly. Your practitioner may recommend that you wear a brace or cast for a few weeks or months, depending on the severity of your injury. The use of a walking boot or crutches to take weight off the affected ankle can also be beneficial to speed up the healing process.
Surgery: Surgery for a high ankle sprain is rare and is usually only recommended for severe cases. Surgery is suggested when other treatment options have failed to provide relief or for professional athletes who need to return to sports quickly. The surgery involves fixing the damaged tissue and rejoining the affected bones.
Rest and Recovery: Finally, Rest is the best thing you can do for your body to heal a high ankle sprain. While it may seem tempting to try and push through the pain, it’s essential to take time and allow your body to recover. Follow the RICE protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation for the first few days following the injury. Then, slowly start to introduce movement exercises to your routine under medical supervision.
A high ankle sprain can be terribly painful and frustrating, but with proper care and treatment, most people make a full recovery. Both chiropractic care and physiotherapy are effective options to treat a high ankle sprain. In addition, immobilization, surgery, and rest and recovery are also crucial components of treatment. It’s essential to work with your chiropractor or physiotherapist to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your individual needs and supports your recovery. If you have sustained a high ankle sprain, make sure to seek medical help promptly, adhere to your treatment plan, and be patient while your body heals.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Sakshi Rupani, BPT, PT, or another Kitchener physiotherapy practitioner at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
