Lateral ankle sprains are a common injury that can occur during any physical activity, from running and jumping to simply walking on an uneven surface. If you have experienced a lateral ankle sprain, you may be wondering what steps you should take to ensure a proper healing process. As a physiotherapist and chiropractor, we often see patients who have made some common mistakes after experiencing a lateral ankle sprain. In this blog post, we discuss what to avoid with a lateral ankle sprain to help you recover as quickly and safely as possible.
Ignoring the Injury
One of the most common mistakes we see with lateral ankle sprains is people ignoring their injury. A lateral ankle sprain can feel painful and swollen, meaning that it may be tempting to try and “walk it off” or rely on painkillers. While minor sprains may heal on their own with adequate rest, serious sprains require proper medical attention. Ignoring your injury can also lead to long-term issues such as instability, chronic pain, and even arthritis.
Rushing Back to Normal Activities
Another mistake that can cause long-term damage is rushing back to normal activities before your ankle is ready. Even with proper medical attention, the healing process can take time. Attempting to resume weight-bearing activities too quickly can cause re-injury, delaying your recovery and potentially causing permanent damage.
Failing to Rest and Ice the Injury
Rest is crucial when it comes to healing an ankle sprain. Failing to rest and allow your ankle to heal can cause unnecessary pain and prolong the healing process. For the first 24 to 48 hours after your injury, it is important to rest your ankle and ice it for 20 minutes at a time, several times throughout the day. This helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Skipping Rehabilitation Exercises
While rest is important, it is also essential to engage in rehabilitation exercises to strengthen the ankle and improve mobility. Skipping rehabilitation exercises can lead to chronic pain and instability, making it difficult to participate in activities that you love. A physiotherapist or chiropractor can help you come up with an exercise plan that meets your specific needs.
Neglecting to Seek Professional Help
Finally, neglecting to seek professional help can be a critical mistake when it comes to a lateral ankle sprain. A Kitchener Waterloo physiotherapist or chiropractor at CARESPACE can help assess the severity of your injury and create a customized plan for your recovery. This includes manual treatments, rehabilitation exercises, and advice on how to avoid future injuries.
In summary, lateral ankle sprains are a common injury that can occur during any physical activity. However, ignoring the injury, rushing back to normal activities, failing to rest and ice the injury, skipping rehabilitation exercises, and neglecting to seek professional help can all cause long-term damage and delay the healing process. If you have experienced a lateral ankle sprain, it is important to take proper care of your injury to ensure a safe and speedy recovery. We encourage you to consult with a physiotherapist or chiropractor for personalized advice on how to heal your injury and avoid future injuries.
