The Two-Fold Approach for Sprained Ankles
Sprained ankles form a very common injury, especially in athletics and sports. We do see many of these conditions here at our Back and Body NJ chiro clinic and we treat them the best way to ensure proper healing and also to help our patient from repeating the injury. So we use a twofold approach in treatment and in prevention in our rehab.
The first part of the process is evaluation and treatment. For ease of explanation, this will follow a pattern of the type of sprain that most people endure rather than more severe and complex ankle issues including ligament damage. But for the general everyday sprained ankle, studies have shown that improper treatment and action to prevent the injury can result in up to 75% of repeat injury later as well as ongoing posture problems and pain.
Evaluation and Treatment
In the past, the general rule of thumb was to immobilize the ankle and provide proper support for it to heal. However a study by Line etal. in 2018 found after assessing a group of 150 patients with sprained ankle, that return to normal weight bearing and reuse of the ankle was more effective way to go. A month after treatment, it was found that almost 97% felt minimal pain and had an increase in work ability to 97%!
The treatment and suggested exercise was the reason for the improved success rate, as patients were encouraged to bear weight on the ankle sooner rather than later in conjunction with specific assigned exercises.
Prevention of Future Injury
Furthermore, for prevention of an ankle injury, because the ankle will still be weaker in comparison to before the injury, it was found that balance training became a significant factor in prevention of ankle injuries. And when you think about it, it makes perfect sense. A study by de Vasconcelos et al. in 2018 discovered a 38% reduction in ankle injuries thanks to an increase of balance training.
When you come in for treatment, we can help you with exercises specific to your condition and help to educate you the best way to improve healing and increase the time to get back to full fitness again. A return to regular walking with correct posture would be encouraged so as to prevent any negative posture which may creep in due to the injury. It’s common to work another part of the body harder to compensate for the injured ankle, and this ultimately is not good in the long run. So we can help you there as well.
So if you are have ankle sprain or any other issue, call us today (908) 325 – 3000. We can treat and help you.
