Ankle Sprain Treatment

An ankle sprain is a common injury that can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg. If left untreated, it can lead to long-term ankle problems. It is an injury to the ligaments in the ankle, which connect the bones in the ankle joint. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that help to hold the bones together and provide stability to the joint.

Sprained Ankle Treatment in Langley

Ankle sprains can occur in various ways, impacting mobility and the ability to participate in certain activities. At Opal Physiotherapy Clinic, we offer comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation services for managing and preventing ankle sprains.

Our experienced physiotherapists are trained to provide effective interventions and design a personalized treatment program to enhance healing.

Causes of ankle sprains

Ankle sprains typically occur when one or more ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn. Ankle sprains can happen in a variety of ways, but some common causes include:

Rolling or twisting the ankle
Sudden, unnatural movements
Traumatic impacts
Extreme overuse

This injury is prevalent among physically active individuals, including females, children, and athletes participating in indoor and outdoor sports. The severity of an ankle sprain can vary and is classified into three grades:

Grade 1 (Mild): Minimal stretching but no tearing with mild pain and swelling.
Grade 2 (Medium): Partial tearing of ligaments with mild to moderate instability. The ankle has swelling over the injury area, and moving the ankle will hurt.
Grade 3 (Severe): Complete tearing of ligaments with significant instability. The ankle has significant swelling, is quite painful, and has difficulty walking.

Symptoms of ankle sprains

Common symptoms of an ankle sprain include:

Pain, especially when bearing weight on the affected foot
Tenderness when touching the ankle
Swelling
Bruising
Restricted range of motion

Ankle sprain physiotherapy treatment goals

Our physiotherapy treatment aims to achieve the following goals:

Relieve pain associated with an ankle sprain.
Promote healing of the ligament.
Restore the range of motion in the ankle joint.
Regain strength in the affected muscles and ligaments.
Improve flexibility, balance, and coordination.
Restore the function of the ankle and prevent re-injury

For severe injuries, you may be referred to a specialist in musculoskeletal injuries, such as an orthopedic surgeon or a physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Our physiotherapy treatment approach for a sprained ankle

Our physiotherapy clinic offers treatment and personalized physiotherapy for ankle sprain for each patient, depending on the severity of the injury. Our approach typically involves three phases:

Protection and healing (2-3 days): Initial treatment for an ankle sprain typically involves rest, compression using an elastic bandage or an ankle brace, and elevating the leg to help reduce swelling and protect the injured ankle.
Restoring range of motion and strength ( 2 weeks): Gradually introduce exercises to improve flexibility, strength, and balance.
Return to Activities (weeks to months): Slowly reintroduce activities that do not require turning or twisting the ankle, followed by maintenance exercises.

Comprehensive physiotherapy interventions

Our physiotherapists employ evidence-based interventions to facilitate optimal recovery from an ankle sprain. Treatment programs are tailored to each individual’s unique needs based on the severity of their injury. Some of the physiotherapy interventions we provide include:

Pain education

Physiotherapists offer pain education about the recovery process and prevention of ankle sprains. It involves understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options and engaging in proper rehabilitation exercises and preventive measures to promote healing and reduce the risk of future injuries.

Therapeutic modalities

We incorporate various therapeutic modalities into our treatment plans to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. These modalities may include:

Ultrasound therapy
Laser treatment
Interferential therapy

Rehabilitation exercises for ankle sprain

Rehabilitation exercises are crucial for restoring strength, flexibility, and balance to the ankle joint.
Your physiotherapist will guide you through a personalized exercise program, which may include range-of-motion exercises, stretching, strength training, and balance exercises. It is essential to start these exercises slowly and ease off if you experience pain.

1. Range-of-motion exercises

Range-of-motion exercises are crucial in maintaining joint mobility and preventing stiffness during healing. Our physiotherapists will guide you through ankle and knee range of motion exercises.

2. Stretching exercises

Stretching exercises help keep the Achilles tendon flexible while promoting ankle healing. Your physiotherapist will coach you through more appropriate stretching exercises.

3. Strengthening exercises

Strengthening exercises are vital in restoring muscle strength and stability around the injured ankle.

4. Balance and proprioceptive training exercises

Balance and proprioceptive muscle training exercises are incorporated into the treatment plan to prevent reinjury and improve overall ankle function.

Recovery time for ankle sprain

The recovery time for a sprained ankle can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Mild sprains may take a few days to a few weeks to heal, while more severe sprains can take several weeks to months.
It is essential to follow your physiotherapist’s recommendations and allow adequate time for healing to prevent further injury or complication.

Ankle sprain prevention strategies

In addition to treating ankle sprains, we emphasize the importance of preventing future injuries. Our physiotherapists will educate you and offer strategies on proper warm-up techniques, stretching exercises, and strengthening programs to enhance ankle stability and reduce re-injury risk.

We may recommend protective aids such as ankle braces or taping during physical activities or sports participation.

Why choose our clinic for ankle sprain treatment in Langley

Our physiotherapy clinic is committed to providing our patients the highest quality ankle sprain treatment and care. We offer:

Expertise in treating ankle sprains and other musculoskeletal injuries
Personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs
A focus on functional treatment to help patients return to their normal activities sooner
Guidance on injury prevention and maintaining overall health

Long-term care for ankle sprain

We understand that long-term joint pain and weakness can occur in individuals who have experienced severe or repeated ankle sprains. Therefore, we encourage patients to continue with recommended exercises even after the pain subsides to maintain mobility and strength in the ankle joint.

If you have recently experienced an ankle sprain or are looking for ways to prevent future injuries, our dedicated team of physiotherapists are here to help you recover safely, regain optimal function, and minimize the risk of re-injury.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment, and our Langley physiotherapy staff can help and guide you more about our specialized physiotherapy services for ankle sprain management and prevention.

Also, learn more about the other conditions treated by our physiotherapist.