Injuries to the ankle can be a lifelong trouble if not treated well. Weak tendons can lead to further injuries and poorly healed fractures can lead to arthritis in later life.
We can experience up to 3 times our body weight in impact when we are walking! So looking after an injury and finding the right help is crucial.
Jordan, one of our lower limb specialists, says that diagnosing exactly which structure is causing the pain can be tricky but is very important in management long term. Sometimes we get pain in one area, that is actually caused from an injury at a completely different location. Obesity, poor posture or balance can also alter the body’s centre of gravity leading to a change in mechanics of the lower limb region.
A very common injury that occurs is an ankle sprain. This is when the ligaments supporting the ankle are wrenched and stretched, usually as a result of a known fall or injury. Once a sprain has occurred it is important that the ligaments heal well so that the ankle can remain supported long term. If a significant injury is missed or proper rehabilitation doesn’t occur you may end up prone to further strains or having an unstable ankle joint.
A specialised lower limb physiotherapist is a good place to start to assess this condition.
Jordan will often assess using multiple different techniques and sometimes will require a patient to consider an X-ray or MRI if the strain is complex.
If you suspect an ankle strain, start by elevating the foot to reduce swelling and icing the area to reduce pain. If the ankle is still sore to walk on the next day, or looks considerably swollen, consider a physio appointment to assess the level of damage.
At a physiotherapy appointment, Jordan, would assess the severity, rule out a fracture and provide education moving forward. This might involve exercises, taping, soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation and return to sport time frames.