AthletePlus - Springdale, Arkansas - Athlete Plus - Physical Therapy - Sports Training - Athlete Plus - Speed Training - AthletesPlus - Core Training
| AthletePlus - Springdale, Arkansas - Athlete Plus - Physical Therapy - Sports Training - Athlete Plus - Speed Training - AthletesPlus - Core Training |
Phone: 479-751-THER (8437) |
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Ankle Sprains: How Can I Help Prevent Spraining my Ankle Again? Number one reason people re-sprain their ankle is there is no physical therapy after their injury. The old adage R.I.C.E. still applies: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Physical therapy has been proven to assist in restoring function and decreasing the number of re-injuries Sprained ankles affect many people of all ages. The ankle sprain is the most common sports injury and generally occurs in activities which involve running and jumping (i.e. basketball, soccer and volleyball). Ankle sprains are generally classified in 3 categories: Grade I These involve a stretched ligament with minimal swelling and pain. Grade II A partial tear of the ligaments occurs with moderate pain and swelling. Grade III Complete tear of the ligament with instability, frequent and disabling pain and marked edema (swelling) and discoloration. Most patients will give a history of a "twisting" injury and will have difficulty weight bearing initially on the injured foot. Swelling will appear immediately or gradually over 3 to 4 hours. Other patients report they are "apprehensive" about bearing weight on the involved foot. Some will say if you can walk on the foot that there is not a fracture, but this is not necessariliy true. Treatment includes PROM, e-stim, and Game Ready ice/compression system along with ice.elevation, and compression at home. Grade I and II sprains progress well with treatment and patients usually return to sports in 2-4 weeks. A grade III sprain will sometimes need surgical repair or a boot and return in 4-6 weeks. We recommend x-rays to confirm or rule out a broken bone and to evaluate for joint instability. Studies have shown that physical therapy may reduce re-injuries and the number one reason people sprain their ankle again is that they did not undergo a proper rehab program with a physical therapist. Injury prevention, balance training, and proper jumping and landing technique reduce the number of ankle injuries. The muscles on the oustide of the foot, the everters, are very important to prevent ankle sprains. These muscles will fire when you are about to sprain your ankle and help prevent sprains. These muscles are the best protection versus athletic tape and ankle braces. (1) Manual therapy may be needed to improve the range of motion. (2) What doesn't help? Ultrasound has not been shown to improve outcomes, although it continues to be used. Ankle sprains were previously treated with immobilization with plaster cast may give rise to joint stiffness and the muscles of the calf becoming smaller and weaker. |
| So what should you do? If
you sprain your ankle, the swelling and pain will eventually get better
without physical therapy. But you are much more likely to re sprain your ankle without treatment. Ask your physician for a referral to physical therapy if you sprain your ankle and do not have a fracture. This article is provided for information and entertainment purposes only. The content is provided "as is" for general information and to educate the reader. The article is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The content should not be considered complete and should not be relied on to suggest a course of treatment for a particular individual suffering from a particular problem, issue or medical need. The reader should always consult with a qualified health care provider familiar with the reader's general health, background and conditions and follow the advice given by the health care provider. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before starting a new diet, treatment or fitness program. Do not delay seeking specific advice or care or disregard the advice of your health care provider based on information contained in this article. Article Date: 6-12-2009 |
| References 1. Am J Sports Med (United States), Nov-Dec 1996, 24(6) p800-9. Ashton-Miller JA, Ottaviani RA, Hutchinson C, et al. 2. A randomized controlled trial of a passive accessory joint mobilization on acute ankle inversion sprains. Phys Ther (United States), Apr 2001, 81(4) p984-94. |