An ankle sprain is a common condition why patients visit Advanced Sports Chiropractic for care.
Ankle sprains usually involve the ankle ligaments which can be injured to varying degrees of severity. It may include just a slight tear or the complete tearing of the ligaments or tendons. The ankle sprain may require short term treatment or in a worst case surgery, depending on the extent of injury.
Sprained Ankle Treatment
Ankle sprains require an accurate diagnosis of the injury for proper treatment. Determining the cause of the problem is not always straight forward. After taking a thorough history we then examine the ankle and surrounding knee joint and muscles. This is an important process for the healing to take place and to reduce the chance of recurrence.
Treatment may comprise of the following:
- massage of muscles, ligaments and tendons
- ice therapy to reduce inflammation
- mobilization and stretching to improve flexibility
- rehabilitation exercises to improve strength and balance
- bio-mechanical joint correction
- custom orthotics and correct footwear
- a return to activity plan
- general exercise technique correction
Early intervention is vital.
Ankle Sprain Causes
The most common cause of an ankle sprain is due to a twisting movement, especially during sporting activities. Without proper rehabilitation, patients may suffer recurrent sprains and instability. A regular exercise program focusing on lower leg strengthening can be helpful. Strength and balance training of the ankle and calf muscles is paramount for prevention of future ankle injuries.
If ankle pain persists, there can be many other underlying causes such as innocuous fractures, arthritic conditions such as gout, nerve impingement syndromes or poor foot bio-mechanics resulting from flat or pronated feet.
Our Sydney Chiropractor at Advanced Sports Chiropractic can with help sports injuries such as a ligament tear, joint sprain, slipped disc, repetitive hamstring strains, ankle sprains, shoulder problems, or tennis elbow.
Sports Chiropractic is a great way to assist people to better performance as well as helping recovery from injuries, by assisting better spinal alignment, and allowing joints and muscles to function at their best.
At Advanced Sports Chiropractic, we not only look to provide ankle injury treatment to assist recovery at the site of ankle sprain, but to assess and correct the underlying causes that may have resulted in the injury. Therefore, we can achieve a more complete resolution of your injury and avoid recurrence.