Ankle Sprains | Jersey Physical Therapy

October 14, 2012? | ? Posted by : jerseypt? | ? Health Tips ? | ? 0 Comment?

What is an ankle sprain?

There are thousands of people who sprain their ankles everyday, whether it?s through sports or stepping on an uneven surface- it can happen to anyone. ?A sprain occurs when the foot twists or turn beyond the normal range of motion causing the ligaments to over stretch and sometimes even tear.
The type of sprain may vary and can be classified as acute, chronic, or ?recurrent. An x-ray may be ordered by your doctor to rule out any type of fracture or an MRI to determinate the severity of the sprain.
At the time of the sprain you may experience pain, swelling, and/or the inability to weight bear on your affected ankle. With a severe sprain, you may hear a ?pop? or ?snap? which could indicate a tear of the ligament. ?After a sprain, RICE should be applied immediately: ??Rest,?Ice,?Compression,?Elevation.
Some sprains may require physical therapy to help relieve the symptoms and to provide appropriate treatment to avoid future injuries. Without proper care other issues could arise such as decreased range of motion, chronic pain, swelling, and instability that would hinder your normal routine of daily living.
How can we prevent such an injury?
Using body awareness and balance training, performing exercises to correct imbalances and weakness of specific muscles, performing exercises to improve mobility, and adhering to a ?progressive functional training program that would allow you to gradually and safely return to your activities.
Treatments in Physical Therapy:
- Range of motion exercises- to restore full motion.
- Muscle strengthening exercises- to restore any muscle weakness.
- Body awareness and balance training- to reeducate your muscles to respond to environmental changes.
- Functional training- to return to prior level of function.
- Activity specific training- to help achieve other goals specific to your life style.
If you feel you have suffered from a sprain and feel it is impacting your function, feel free to contact us so that you can begin the road to recovery.

Source: http://www.jerseypt.com/health-tips/ankle-sprains-3/

jeff gordon artie lange nascar daytona 2012 kasey kahne angelina jolie right leg saving face academy award winners