Ankle Injuries
Ankles play an important role in body mechanics. They help to support a person’s entire body weight and therefore are mostly injured. Ankle injuries are among the most common of the bone and joint injuries and can arise frequently from trauma, such as a car accident, motorcycle accident, slip and fall accident, bicycle accident, construction accident, industrial accident or recreational injury. They are particularly common in sports such as basketball, soccer, hiking, volleyball, ice skating, or other activities performed on uneven surfaces.
The most common ankle problems are sprains, strains and fractures:
Sprains: The most common type of ankle injury is a sprain. An ankle sprain refers to soft tissue damage to the ligaments around the ankle joint. A ligament is a thick, tough, fibrous tissue that connects bones together. Ligaments are injured when more than normal stretching force is applied and this happens most commonly when the foot is turned inward or twisted. Sprains are graded on a scale of 1 to 3 (mild, moderate, and severe), depending on the degree of ligaments tear. The symptoms of a sprain are typically pain, swelling, and bruising of the affected joints.
Strains: Strains are injuries that involve the stretching or tearing of a musculo-tendinous (muscle and tendon) structure. In case of muscle or tendon strain, it occurs at the weakest point where the muscle is attached to the tendon. Symptoms for an acute muscle strain may include pain, muscle spasm, loss of strength, and limited range of motion.
Fractures: Ankle fractures are common injuries that are most often caused by the ankle rolling inward or outward. The most common symptoms are pain and swelling; the affected area can also feel tender. If the fracture is more complex, it may be visible as the bone may have broken the skin.
Ankle injuries can have a serious effect on an accident victim. That’s why in the early stages it is important to follow the PRICE protocol – protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation. This can be used to address the initial signs of inflammation, edema, and swelling, which are present in most traumatic injuries. It is important, however, to deal with any mechanical and muscle imbalance problems that may exist and your chiropractor is ideally suited to diagnose and treat them.
Chiropractic Care for Ankle Injury:
A chiropractor can help align the bones of the foot and be more specific with soft tissue techniques that will help the ankle recover. By using the chiropractic adjustment to return spinal segments to their normal mobility and by using physical therapy to help the supportive tissues (muscles, tendons, & ligaments), chiropractic physicians help the injured areas return to normal function. An ongoing exercise program may be implemented to help rebuild and strengthen the muscles and ligaments surrounding the ankle. Pills do not correct the damage to soft tissues and other systems that can lead to future pain. Only a chiropractic treatment is the best solution to prevent chronic and recurrent problems after an ankle injury.
At Steve Baek DC, we deliver a companionate caring demeanor that is sure to make you feel better. Beginning with your first visit to our facility, we strive to exceed your expectations.
