What are the physical therapy treatment options for ankle pain?
You may be healing from surgery or have fractured your ankle in a tumble or other accident. Or perhaps the discomfort in your ankles is a symptom of an ailment like arthritis.
The talus, a foot bone, and the tibia and fibula of your lower leg form a delicate joint that might be vulnerable. Without the proper care, you risk experiencing continuing pain and mobility problems that will limit your ability to lead a full life. Many of our patients completely recover from their ankle problems with physical therapy. Even yet, physical therapy might be frightening, particularly if you're already in pain from a previous accident.
Ankle pain and its causes
Numerous factors can contribute to the common complaint of ankle pain. A complicated joint, the ankle is supported by muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Any of these structural injuries may be painful.
However, gout, infection, and arthritis can also contribute to ankle pain. It might take work to pinpoint the precise source of ankle pain. However, the goal of treatment is often to reduce symptoms and regain range of motion.
The muscles around the ankle may benefit from stretching and strengthening through physical therapy. Injections or painkiller medications can also be utilized to manage pain. Ankle discomfort is rarely treated with surgery.
How can physiotherapists in Calgary help treat ankle pain?
Ankle discomfort can be incredibly crippling, as anyone who has experienced it will attest. Even minor ankle pain can make it difficult to stand or walk for extended periods, and more serious injuries can render your foot completely immobile.
Thankfully, physical therapy is a successful treatment for many ankle issues. Physical therapy can aid pain relief and injury prevention by bolstering the ankle's muscles and joints.
Physical therapy can also help enhance the range of motion and flexibility, making it simpler to carry out daily tasks. Consider seeking the aid of a licensed physical therapist if you are experiencing ankle pain.
Based on your evaluation findings, your physical therapist will work with you to create a specific treatment plan. Treatment options include;
Education
You will learn about your problem and what you can do to assist control your discomfort from your physical therapist. This one is the most effective tool you will use during your therapy sessions. You may take sustained action by knowing what is happening with your body and how to create quantifiable improvements.
Manual therapy techniques
Using their hands, a physical therapist can aid in loosening up any adhesions or limitations in the tissues surrounding your foot and ankle. This might entail massage, myofascial release, trigger point release, and joint mobilizations. Since it is a passive treatment, it is not always necessary or the main focus of treatment, even though it can be a fantastic addition to other treatments.
Modalities
To assist you in managing your pain, your physio could employ modalities including heat, ice, electrical stimulation, or ultrasound. If your pain is severe and you have trouble tolerating activities, you may start by using these passive, short-term therapeutic choices. However, these shouldn't ever be the main focus of your care because they don't have lasting advantages.
Lifestyle changes
A lot of the time, the way we live might cause discomfort. We may have spent too much time sitting, not moving around enough, or taking up a new activity with too much stress on our feet and ankles. Whatever the cause, your physical therapist in Calgary will work with you to determine any lifestyle modifications you might need to make to hasten your recovery. The quality of one's sleep, food, and stress management are additional significant topics to consider and address.
Posture correction
How your body is positioned as you stand, sit, or sleep can often worsen foot and ankle discomfort. To be sure they aren't causing your pain, your physio will examine your posture and ergonomics (how you utilize your body while performing activities). They might advise on modifications you can make at work or home to improve your mobility and well-being. Better footwear choices and orthotic advice might be part of this. As required, they could also suggest custom orthotics.
Exercise plans
Life is always in motion. You'll be able to speed up your healing by moving your body deliberately and equitably, including your feet and ankles. Your physical therapist will guide you through a series of exercises created especially to aid in the accomplishment of your objectives. These could involve workouts for balance, flexibility, strength, or proprioception (joint position sensation). You can do more and advance to higher-level functional, recreational, and performance-oriented activities as your strength improves and your discomfort subsides.
When to start physiotherapy?
You should seek medical attention for an ankle fracture as soon as possible. A cast may then need to be applied to immobilize the area once your doctor has reduced your fracture and repositioned your bones for proper healing.
Whatever your next steps are, physical treatment becomes beneficial following this. Physical therapy can assist you in learning how to adapt if you must use an aid, such as a cane. It's time to start working out your injured ankle to regain strength and flexibility if you don't have a cast or brace or once it comes off.
Tips for prevention
Live active life
Maintain a regular strengthening and extending schedule. Your daily activities will help keep the muscles and tissues around the joints flexible and strong.
Manage health
Diabetes and arthritis complications are particularly likely to affect the foot. Make sure you properly manage these under your doctor's guidance, using the recommended medications, or changing your lifestyle.
Talk to your physio
Please schedule an appointment if you have questions or want professional advice on activities, clothing, or injury risk.
Conclusion
After using these conservative at-home remedies, it might be time to seek professional assistance if your pain persists. It's time to work with a movement expert if you need help figuring out where to begin. A physical therapist can develop a personalized plan to reduce pain and help you stand up again. They can also offer chest physiotherapy for a pain free living.