Physical Therapy for Ankle Sprains: An Evidence-Based Approach
Diving into ankle sprains, their common symptoms, and how physical therapy helps
Have you recently suffered a painful ankle sprain? Do you have stubborn symptoms that just won’t go away? Ankle sprains occur when the foot twists or turns in abnormal movements beyond its range of movement. These injuries can typically be treated without surgery or medication unless rare and severe cases have occurred.
At McCabe and Brady Physical Therapy, we use results-driven, evidence-based methods to alleviate pain and recurring symptoms that may be restricting your ability to move properly.
To set up an appointment with one of our amazing physical therapists, contact us at McCabe and Brady Physical Therapy today!
What is a sprained ankle?
You’ve probably either experienced a sprained ankle or met someone who has. Sprains are incredibly common injuries, especially among athletes. Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments, or bands of tissue that hold together joints, experience trauma, which causes them to overstretch or tear.
People who have sprained an ankle are far more susceptible to repeating the injury, and injuries are most likely to occur if the injury hasn’t been treated or tended to properly. Physical therapy not only alleviates pain but educates patients on preventative actions for another sprain to occur. Recovery is typically handled with a series of manual and strengthening exercises.
Symptoms of an ankle sprain
Following an ankle sprain, you may experience:
- Intense pain and swelling.
- Bruising in the foot and ankle.
- Stiffness.
- Throbbing or pulsing.
- Weakness/Inability to stand on the affected foot.
Most ankle sprains will cause you to feel the impact right away. Pain is felt at the site of the ligament tear, which causes visible swelling or bruising. Patients usually can’t move their ankle without severe pain and may require crutches for assistance.
How physical therapy will help
Physical therapists help people with ankle sprains recover more quickly than they would without treatment. Your physical therapist will work with you to design a specific treatment program that meets your needs and goals.
Your physical therapist will work with you to:
- Reduce pain and swelling: During treatment, your PT will teach you how to avoid or modify your daily activities so that the healing process can take place. To help reduce your pain, your therapist will use different methods of treatment and modalities such as heat, ice, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, manual therapy, and massage. They will also prescribe specialized exercises that are tailored to your condition.
- Improve range of motion: When any kind of sprain occurs, your range of motion suffers. Your physical therapist will select activities and treatments to help return your movement to its normal abilities.
- Improve flexibility: Your physical therapist will determine if any foot, ankle, or lower leg muscles are tight, begin to stretch them, and teach you how to stretch them.
- Improve strength and endurance: Ankle sprains cause the affected area to be weak and injured, which can make it difficult for patients to maintain balance and coordination. Once symptoms have started to subside, your physical therapist will teach you the correct exercises to safely restore your strength.
- Home exercises: Your PT will show you exercises that you can safely perform at home, which will help speed your recovery.
- Return to activities. An important part of recovery is getting you back to your normal activities. Your physical therapist will discuss activity goals with you and set you up for success with work, sports, and home life.
A typical ankle sprain can take just a couple of weeks to heal, or a few months. A severe sprain, however, can take as long as a year to heal.
Evidence supporting physical therapy for rehabilitation
Studies show that patients who have received physical therapy treatment after a sprained ankle benefitted in their range of motion and an improvement in symptoms. Treatments relied heavily on manual therapy, balance exercises, and patient education which all proved to be successful.
Request an appointment at McCabe and Brady Physical Therapy today!
Our team at McCabe and Brady Physical Therapy is equipped to treat ankle sprains as well as similar injuries in both the upper and lower extremities. If you’ve experienced an ankle sprain or are struggling with lingering symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact us today!