ANKLE SPRAIN
Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in athletic populations. One of the nefarious aspects of the ankle sprain is that once we have sprained an ankle, this predisposes an individual to further ankle sprains down the line; resulting in chronic ankle instability. Proper rehabilitation and management strategies have been shown to decrease the recurrence of ankle sprains.
Ankle Sprain
An ankle sprain is one of the most common injuries in athletic populations. Athletes that commonly sprain their ankles range from soccer players to rock climbers, snowboarders, trail runners, and hikers. About 23,000 Americans sprain their ankles every single day. The issue with an ankle sprain is that if not rehabilitated properly it can lead to more recurrent ankle sprain and then Chronic Ankle instability. Chronic ankle instability can lead to laxity in the ankle joint and can predispose individuals to ankle arthritis. Some of the therapies that can decrease the chance of CAI after an ankle sprain are listed below.
Decreasing Ankle Sprain Recurrence
Manipulation
This might sound counterintuitive, but a manipulation performed in the ankle joint has been shown to create a window of opportunity during which we have less pain, more range of motion, and higher muscle activity.
Dry Needling.
Dry needling can be effective in treating ankle instability by increasing activation of the muscles that cross the ankle joint. It has been shown to also decrease postural sway, and increase other measures of joint sensation without pain.
Rehabilitation
The most important aspect of decreasing recurrent ankle sprains is a progressive rehabilitation program. This program will consist of balance and strengthening exercises and finally progress to plyometric exercises for the ankle.
Ankle Fracture
Lets be clear, if you have a known ankle fracture, then our office is not the place for you. However, if you are unsure if your ankle is fractured or not, then we have the tools necessary to evaluate and diagnose your ankle. At times it can be very difficult to distinguish an ankle fracture from a bad sprain. In our office we are able to use digital x-ray to evaluate if a fracture is present, and we are also able to use diagnostic ultrasound to evaluate the muscles tendons and ligaments of your ankle to make sure they are all intact. Click on the button below to check out our diagnostic imaging page.