Ankle Sprains

PHYSIOTHERAPY AND ANKLE SPRAINS

Ankle joints and feet are the link between your body and the ground. If you “roll your ankle” as the foot hits the ground the ankle may be sprained.

(APA, 2002).

HOW GOONELLABAH PHYSIOTHERAPY CAN HELP

Our physiotherapists will examine the injured ankle to determine which ligaments are damaged and to what extent they are torn, and can order an X-ray if needed.

Early treatment will reduce the swelling and pain, making it easier to walk. Even one session of treatment and advice can make a significant difference.

Mobilisation by you physiotherapist can help to increase your range of ankle movement so that it is easier to walk and move the ankle. Mobilising the ankle also helps to build a healthy scar in the ligament.

We will show you exercises that are important to improve the strength of the calf and ankle muscles to compensate for the damaged ligament, and give some protection while the ligament is healing.

We will also teach you how to retrain your muscles to react quickly to changes in ankle position to prevent repetitive sprains.

Returning to work or sports too early can delay healing and prolong recovery. We will discuss the injury with you and estimate the time it will take to recover.

We can teach you how to do special ankle taping or fit you with an ankle brace so that you can return to activity earlier, while protecting the ankle from further damage.

We can also help you plan ways to do alternative training so that you maintain fitness and muscle strength while your ankle is healing.

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