Ankle injuries, particularly lateral ankle sprains, are a common occurrence, and they can happen to anyone. They occur when the ankle is twisted or turned in an unnatural way, causing the ligaments on the outside of the ankle to stretch or tear. If left untreated, an ankle sprain can lead to chronic pain and instability, making it essential to seek treatment immediately. In this blog post, we will discuss how chiropractic care and physiotherapy can help you recover from a lateral ankle sprain effectively.
The First Step in Treating a Lateral Ankle Sprain
The first step in treating a lateral ankle sprain is to rest, ice, compress, and elevate the ankle. This helps reduce the swelling and inflammation and allows the ankle to heal faster. It is essential to avoid bearing weight on the injured ankle until the pain and swelling have gone down.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Chiropractors can help treat ankle sprains in several ways. They can use spinal and extremity adjustments, soft tissue mobilization, and rehabilitation exercises to help restore motion, reduce pain, and improve overall function. The adjustments can help realign any vertebrae that are out of place, optimizing the function of the nervous system and improving communication between the brain and the body. Soft tissue mobilization techniques help reduce inflammation, improve circulation to the affected area, and promote healing. Lastly, rehabilitation exercises can help restore strength, balance, and flexibility to the ankle, preventing future injuries.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
Physiotherapy can help in treating a lateral ankle sprain by reducing pain, stiffness, and improving mobility and function. Your physiotherapist may use manual techniques such as joint mobilization and soft tissue massage. Exercises that improve strength and stability of the ankle joint are also essential in preventing future injury.
Return to Activity
Your chiropractor and physiotherapist will work closely with you to develop a customized treatment plan that suits your needs. Once you have fully recovered from your ankle sprain, you will be advised on how to gradually ease back into regular activity. It is important to follow your provider’s advice and not return to activity too soon, which could delay healing or cause further injury.
Preventing Further Lateral Ankle Sprains
To prevent further lateral ankle sprains from occurring, it is essential to maintain a regular exercise routine that focuses on improving flexibility, strength, balance, and coordination of the lower limbs. It is also important to wear appropriate footwear and use orthotics if necessary. If you are participating in sports, it is essential to warm up and cool down properly before and after activity.
Lateral ankle sprains can be painful and debilitating, but with proper treatment, you can overcome this type of injury and resume your normal activities. Chiropractic care and physiotherapy can be effective treatment options in promoting healing and restoring normal mobility and function. Our team at CARESPACE Health+Wellness is dedicated to providing the best chiropractic and physiotherapy care to our patients to help them recover from any injury.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Dr. Tyler Baron, BASc, DC or another Kitchener chiropractor at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
