WHAT IS AN ANKLE SPRAIN?

 

An ankle sprain (often referred to as a twisted ankle) occurs when a ligament is twisted, overstretched or torn.  Ankle sprains are very common and can have many different causes, from sport-related injuries to simply mis-placing your foot on uneven ground.

 

Symptoms of an ankle sprain may include pain, tenderness or weakness around the ankle, with possible swelling or bruising.  You may also struggle to put weight on the affected ankle after the initial injury.

 

Ankle sprains are graded depending on their severity:

 

Grade 1 – ligament is stretched but there is no tear or instability

Grade 2 – ligament is stretched or partially teared but ligament remains intact

Grade 3 – complete rupture of the ligament

 

There are six main ligaments in the ankle, all of which may become vulnerable to sprain if you sustain an injury in a position which stretches or compromises one or more of these ligaments.  The most common ankle sprain involves the anterior talo-fibular ligament (ATFL) on the outside of the ankle, and occurs when you ‘roll’ your ankle down and in.

 

 

SELF-HELP TIPS FOR MANAGING AN ANKLE SPRAIN

 

• Protect and rest the ankle for up to 48 hours after the initial injury in order to prevent further damage to the tissues.

 

• If you are resting or sleeping, try and keep the ankle elevated. This can easily be achieved by putting a few pillows under the injured ankle.

 

• After this, keep the ankle moving with some gentle movement exercises. These could include gently drawing the alphabet with the ankle, just to keep it moving.  Let your body tell you when you’re ready to return to weight-bearing activities, but don’t rest for too long as this can reduce the strength of the tissues.

 

 

HOW A CHIROPRACTOR CAN HELP YOU

 

A chiropractor can help you to manage your injury and reduce the likelihood of a repeated injury.  A chiropractor will do this by improving the movement around your ankle, assessing the movement of your lower body and giving you appropriate stretching and strengthening exercises in order to strengthen the ankle and reduce the likelihood of reoccurrence.

 

If you have any more questions or think a chiropractor may be able to help you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and contact me at Lushington Chiropractic Clinic.

 

 

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I VISIT A CHIROPRACTOR?

 

A patient with an ankle sprain typically presents to a chiropractor with ankle pain following an injury – whether it be from tripping over a curb or falling awkwardly during sporting activities.

 

As with all patients, the chiropractor will firstly ask you lots of questions in order to get a clear picture of what has happened and how this has affected you.  The chiropractor will also review your health and medical history.  After this, the chiropractor will carry out some tests to assess your general movement as well as your nerves, muscles and joints.  This involves a range of tests which will be explained clearly to you during the appointment.

Once the chiropractor has taken a history and performed a physical examination they will be able to make a treatment plan for you (if appropriate).

 

Your chiropractor will explain your injury in detail and then explain how chiropractic care can help you.  Treatment is tailored to the individual needs of every patient and so will vary from person to person, but typically includes range of motion, stretching and mobilisation techniques and exercises.  Your chiropractor will also be able to give you rehabilitation strengthening exercises in order to reduce the likelihood of the injury reoccurring.

 

If the chiropractor does not think that chiropractic care is suitable for you, they will refer you to somebody that they think will be able to help you.