Ankle sprains can occur when you’re just walking or running and “roll” your ankle. Unfortunately, getting back to normal doesn’t just happen with rest or time. Many people will need more assessment and intervention to address any mobility or muscle or ligament problems that may have happened during the sprain. Here is a bit more information about ankle sprains and how I can help!
- Ankle sprains are the most common foot-ankle and sports-related injury for which people seek medical care.
- People of all ages sprain their ankles.
- Four in every 10 first-time ankle sprains occur when playing sports.
- Acute ankle sprains are usually accompanied by swelling, pain, and difficulty walking.
- Chronic ankle instability is diagnosed when a person continues to have problems with tasks like walking or playing sports 1 year after the original injury.
- People with chronic ankle instability say their ankle feels unstable or like it “gives way.”
PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN HELP!
- Assessment will include tests of your balance, ankle movement, ankle strength (calf and lower-leg muscles), and function (what your ankle can do compared to before it was sprained).
- I will test how the sprained ankle moves and performs compared to the non-injured ankle. I will also be able to test joint mobility, stability and performance during running and running specific movements!
- Exercises to improve ankle movement, strength, and balance will help you recover from ankle sprain and avoid future sprains. Simple balance exercises can start by standing on a pillow or piece of foam and progress to using a wobble or balance board to help strengthen the muscles around the ankle and improve your ability to perform demanding tasks like changing direction while running or hiking on uneven surfaces.
- Ankle braces or taping can help prevent ankle sprains before they happen and keep them from occurring again.
Let me know how I can help you get back to running without ankle pain or instability! Kari@RefinedRun.com
(from the April 2021 JOSPT guidelines on ankle sprains)