What can I do to strengthen my ankle after a spine?

Ankle sprains are very common ankle injuries that occur when the foot is twisted or bent out of its normal range, causing the ankle ligaments to stretch or tear — also one of the painful conditions.

What is an Ankle Sprain?

A sprain is an ankle injury that occurs when the ankle spins, twisting or turning in an uncomfortable manner. It can stretch or tear the hard tissue bands (ligaments) that help tie the bones of your ankles together.

Most of the time, the ligaments are usually damaged on the outer ankle's (lateral) side. The ankle ligaments can also be perforated (medially) toward or above the ankle bone, but they usually appear less injured. An ankle sprain usually takes 4 weeks and 2 months to heal.

Some patients state that after 3-4 weeks, their ankles feel strengthened, and can usually fully recover within 3 months. With Physical Therapy and Sports Therapy, it will take 9–12 months for a badly and severely damaged ankle ligament to heal fully.

How do you feel after an ankle sprain?

• Pain

• Swelling

• Throbbing

• Hardness

• Weakness

• A feeling of instability in the ankle joint

• You will not be able to comfortably step with the affected leg, bear your weight, or stand.

• As with most ankle sprains, you will immediately experience discomfort at the ligaments stretch or tear site.

• The ankles also begin to swell immediately, and bleeding (blue-black) may occur. The ankle area is usually painful to the touch, and the moment you walk, weigh, or step on the ankle, intense pain may develop.

You should not ignore this type of pain. It can be intense pain after some time, so it is wise to go to physical therapy, or with a doctor, they will assess your ankle to rule out the possibility of ankle fracture.

How is your ankle sprain diagnosed?

Professional Physical Therapists examine your foot, take a history of your health, and ask questions such as:

• How were you injured?

• Do you feel a pop, snap, or tear?

• What kind of activities do you have trouble doing?

• What activities do you want to do?

A physical therapist will gently press around your ankle, see if it is tender to the touch, and use additional analysis to determine if other parts of your foot are injured. They can do:

• Examine your muscle strength and flexibility

• Observe the movement of your foot

• Monitor your walk

Your ankle sprain can be classified into 3 grades: depending on how severely your ankle ligament is affected or how many ligaments are injured;

• Grade1- Mild: In this stage, the ligament is overstretched.

• Grade2 –Moderate: The ligament is overstretched but can be partially torn.

• Grade3 –Severe: In the third stage, the ligament will rupture 100%.

Professional Physical therapists will examine and scan for other extreme conditions that may cause pain and inflammation.

Suppose, you want a 100% definitive diagnosis, In that case, physical therapists may consult with neurology rehabilitation and other healthcare providers to validate the diagnosis and prevent any ankle injury from further tests, including a possible ankle fracture. (X-ray) can be ordered.

How can professional physiotherapists help you?

Professional physiotherapists can help you recover quickly without treatment with an ankle sprain, but it will take time. Time may vary, but results can be obtained from you in 2 to 10 weeks. Neurology Rehabilitation prepares a specific treatment plan that meets your particular needs and goals.

When your diagnosis begins, physiotherapists can advise you during the first 24 to 48 hours:

• Do not do any activity that causes pain in the affected area.

• Use ice packs on the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 hours.

• For medication or diagnostic tests, consult an orthopedic physician.

• Slow walking that does not significantly affect pain or swelling.

• Use crutches or support balances to help ease the pain.

• Use a wrap or brace to prevent swelling.

Here are some self-treatments that allow you to do the possible activity with minimal pain and will help with motion therapy.

Physical therapists will work for you:

Reduce swelling and pain- You will learn how to change your everyday sports activities so that you can start healing. They can use a variety of therapies and techniques to control and reduce pain and inflammation, including:

• Hands-on treatment (manual therapy and specialized massage)

• Heat therapy

• Cold therapy

• Specific exercises

• Taping

• Electrical stimulation

• Ultrasound therapy

• Physiotherapy to accelerate ligament healing

Improve movements- Physical therapists will perform various exercises and treatments to help restore natural ankle movements. These can begin with "passive" motions that gently shake your ankle and foot, and then gradually move toward the "active" exercises you do yourself.

Increase flexibility - Physical therapists will determine your spine if the muscles of the leg, ankle, or lower leg are tight, start stretching them, and they will teach you how to stretch them.

Your physical therapist is trained and knowledgeable in choosing the right treatments and activities that can help you recover safely, return to your healthy lifestyle, and accomplish your goals faster.