Ankle Sprain
Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Ankle sprains are the most common injury seen in physical therapy. Most often caused by over-extension or excessive rotation of the ankle, ankle sprains result in pain and swelling, as well as decreased range of motion and balance issues.
When you’re dealing with an ankle sprain, it’s important to seek treatment from a physical therapist as soon as possible to reduce your chances of re-injury and help you get back to normal life as quickly as possible.
What are the common symptoms of an ankle sprain?
The most common symptoms of an ankle sprain are pain, swelling, tenderness and/or bruising. However there is often minimal swelling associated with an ankle sprain. This can be very deceiving to many patients and physicians as swelling usually signifies a worse injury than what is actually present. Additionally, approximately 50% of all sprains will not have any noticeable swelling at all when they occur.
How do you know if you need physical therapy?
You may need to see a physical therapist if your ankle pain won’t go away or is even worsening after two weeks. The sooner we start treatment, the faster you will recover from your injury!
What treatments are available at Pinnacle Physical Therapy?
There are many ways to treat an ankle sprain. Your physical therapist will help you decide which treatments are best for your ankle sprain. You may be advised to avoid certain motions (like walking on your heel) and wear a support for protection.
How does Pinnacle Physical Therapy treat ankle sprains?
Pinnacle Physical Therapy treats ankle sprains by restoring strength to your muscles, which supports your ligaments and ankles so you can safely play sports again. Manual therapy focuses on treating injured tissues with hands-on techniques like stretching and joint mobilization.
We also teach you how to prevent future injuries through physical conditioning and proper form while exercising. You’ll work with our expert physical therapists who will help you recover from an ankle sprain faster than if you tried to do it alone at home!
What to expect after your first visit to
Pinnacle Physical Therapy
Most ankle sprains heal on their own in just a few weeks. However, if your sprain is stubborn or you’re feeling significant pain or soreness—even after two weeks—it’s time to take action. At Pinnacle Physical Therapy, our experienced physical therapists help treat ankle sprains quickly with exercises that keep you in motion and on your feet.