Ankle Sprain Physical Therapy Austin, TX
How old were you when you first sprained your ankle? Few of us manage to get to adulthood without spraining an ankle. Yet, as children, few ever get ankle sprain physical therapy because the pain and swelling usually clear up quickly without intervention.
For adults, especially active adults, ankle pain or stiffness flares up after exercise and sometimes at rest. Ankle sprains make up over 10% of running injuries and are also common in jumping activities like basketball.
What Contributes to Ankle Sprains (Achilles Tendonitis)
Many active adults describe a “bad ankle” that has plagued them for years. One side is more likely to get injured, cause a fall, or be sensitive to repetitive stress.
The Achilles tendon is unable to handle the stress. Any change in activity can set it off, like starting a walking program, hiking a new trail, or sprinting when you usually jog. Even new shoes or gait changes can contribute.
Tendons are pretty good at responding to gradual changes, but when the stress is too much or too sudden, the tendon gets weaker and causes pain. The pain suggests it is time to rest, but avoiding activities can make the problem worse. The tendon continues to weaken during prolonged periods of rest. Once you get back to your favorite activity, the tendon gets over-stressed again, and the cycle continues.
That’s why physical therapy for ankle strain is extremely important.
Do You Need Ankle Sprain Treatment in Austin, TX?
If you sprained your ankle (Achilles Tendinopathy), you might have pain, swelling, and stiffness at the back of your ankle or heel, tightness, weakness or less endurance in your calf muscle.
Often, the symptoms come on during or after exercise. Your ankle may hurt as you start to exercise, then temporarily improve after you warm up. The pain likely worsens again after you finish exercising. Symptoms are worse with weight-bearing.
Symptoms that come on suddenly may show up after a hard workout or a fall. Symptoms may worsen gradually with repetitive movements. With new and acute injuries, swelling and inflammation at the back of the ankle are common, but after a week or two, the inflammation fades to reveal the tendon weakness and dysfunction.
Physical Therapy for Ankle Sprain Austin, TX
Physical Therapy for ankle sprain in Austin, TX, at Carter PT, uses hands-on manual Therapy for myofascial release of your calf muscle and Achilles tendon. Your physical therapist may recommend additional modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and heat/ice therapies to reduce pain and promote healing. Taping, orthotics, gait training, and different footwear may also be recommended. Your physical therapist also prescribes therapeutic exercises to strengthen your tendon without over-stressing.
Contact us at Carter PT for a comprehensive assessment for Ankle Sprain Rehabilitation in Austin, TX.
Ankle Sprain Treatment Austin, TX FAQs
What Is a High Ankle Sprain?
A high ankle sprain is when the ligaments that connect the shin bones above the ankle are stretched and/or torn. Other types of ankle sprains are more common. High ankle sprains are typically more serious than other types.
How Long for An Ankle Sprain to Heal?
Mild ankle sprains usually heal in 1 to 3 weeks. Moderate sprains take 3 to 4 weeks. Severe injuries take 3 to 6 months to heal because ankle ligaments have limited blood supply.
When To Start Physical Therapy After Ankle Sprain?
Ankle Sprain Treatment usually begins 2 to 3 weeks after an ankle injury. Physical Therapy for an Ankle Sprain waits until after the initial swelling subsides.
What To Expect Physical Therapy Ankle Sprain?
Ankle Sprain Treatment with a Austin physical therapist includes hands-on manual Therapy and supportive modalities such as heat/ice, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and more. Therapeutic exercises are critical to Ankle Sprain Rehabilitation.
