Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in sports and daily activities. Among them, lateral ankle sprains account for up to 85% of all ankle sprains. If left untreated or not treated properly, lateral ankle sprains can lead to chronic pain, instability, and recurrent injuries. Fortunately, there are effective treatments available to fix lateral ankle sprains and stop it from progressing. In this blog post, we will discuss how physiotherapy and chiropractic care can help you recover from a lateral ankle sprain.
Physiotherapy for Lateral Ankle Sprains
Physiotherapy is an effective way to treat lateral ankle sprains by improving range of motion, strengthening muscles, reducing pain and swelling, and promoting healing. A physiotherapist will first assess your injury severity and design a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs.
The first stage of physiotherapy for lateral ankle sprains typically involves rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE) therapy along with gentle exercises to maintain range of motion. As the swelling subsides and pain reduces, more advanced exercises including strengthening and balance training will be introduced. Other physiotherapy treatments that may be used include manual techniques such as joint mobilization or manipulation, ultrasound to promote tissue healing and reduce inflammation.
Chiropractic Care for Lateral Ankle Sprains
Chiropractic care is another effective approach to treating lateral ankle sprains by addressing the underlying causes of the injury from a biomechanical perspective. A chiropractor will evaluate your foot posture, gait pattern as well as the alignment of your spine and lower extremity joints. The goal of chiropractic care is to restore normal joint mechanics throughout the body so that stress on the injured ligaments is reduced allowing them to heal properly. The chiropractor will use manual adjustments and mobilization techniques to restore the natural movement of the affected joints. They may also use soft tissue treatments such as Active Release Technique (ART) or Graston Technique to reduce scar tissue and muscle tension.
Combination of Physiotherapy and Chiropractic Care
While physiotherapy and chiropractic care can be effective standalone treatments for lateral ankle sprains, a combination of both treatments can provide even better results. By combining these two approaches, you get a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses not only the injured ankle but also any underlying biomechanical issues that may have contributed to the injury in the first place.
Together, physiotherapy and chiropractic care can help you recover faster and more completely from your lateral ankle sprain while reducing your risk of future injuries.
Preventing Lateral Ankle Sprains
Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to lateral ankle sprains. Some tips to prevent this common injury include wearing proper shoes with good support, using orthotics if necessary, avoiding uneven surfaces or unstable terrain, warming up before exercise or sports activities, and gradually increasing intensity and duration of exercise. Additionally, regular visits to a physiotherapist or chiropractor can help identify any underlying biomechanical issues that may increase your risk of developing a lateral ankle sprain in the future.
If you have experienced a lateral ankle sprain, don’t wait until it becomes chronic pain or instability. Seek effective treatment from a qualified physiotherapist or chiropractor who can design an individualized approach tailored to your needs. With proper care, you can expect to make a full recovery and return to your daily activities without any limitations. Remember also that prevention is key so take steps to avoid future injuries by taking care of your feet with supportive shoes, orthotics as needed, appropriate warm-up exercises before activity, gradually increasing intensity levels over time, and regular visits to a physiotherapist or chiropractor for an overall checkup.
