HOWSHOULDMY SPRAIN OR STRAIN BE TREATED?
(continued from outside) Foot and ankle pain treatment depends on where the injury happens and how long ago it occurred. If it is not possible to walk more than two or three steps without pain or if the joint looks out of place, it is important to visit a doctor as soon as possible, because a fracture may be suspected. However, within a few hours of compression wrapping and elevation, most people notice that the swelling begins to subside, and they can carry on with most of their daily tasks with minimal discomfort. However, this initial treatment of a foot or ankle sprain does not help strengthen the area and prevent injury in the future. For optimal results, it is best to consult with a physical therapist to see what the best methods would be for healing and avoiding re-injury of the affected area. Once the acute phase of the injury has passed (the point where there is pain), it is possible to prevent future injury through exercises targeted at strengthening the muscles that surround the ankle. Your physical therapist will prescribe certain strengthening exercises to regain your normal levels of function. This may include drawing the alphabet with your toes to improve range of motion, performing calf raises every time you stand at the sink, or raising your toes slowly off of the ground when you are standing in line at the grocery store. How will physical therapy help my sprain or strain? Physical therapy is designed to relieve the pain of a foot or ankle problem, improve range of motion, and strengthen your muscles so they are able to take on the shock of normal activities. While pain within your foot or ankle may subside on its own, there are dysfunctions up the chain that can last for years and lead to
other injuries. For example, changes in gait pattern can result in ankle injury, making it difficult for you to move around freely. Physical therapy is the best way to make sure that these injuries do not occur. Our physical therapists will show you therapeutic exercises that target the muscles that keep the foot or ankle supported. They may even recommend a customized physical fitness program that can help you reduce stress on your feet and ankles. Whether you sustained a sprain or strain, physical therapy is the answer to achieving long-term relief. Contact Appalachian Physical Therapy today to schedule a consultation or to find out more about how physical therapy can help relieve your foot and ankle pains.
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PATIENT SUCCESS SPOTLIGHTS
“I am now able to do more physical activity than when I was 62!” “Once again, Karen has helped me heal. This time the pain and stiffness were in my neck and shoulders, most likely from toomuch weed-pulling. The exercises and point-on therapy helped, as always. I appreciate the opportunity to post this thank you for others to see. She helped me through my recovery of a still undetermined autoimmune disease five years ago. After being mostly bedridden because of pain and little energy for over a year, a doctor in Florida put me on a medication that worked. By then, my muscles were so weak, I could barely walk. This is when Karen brought my body back to life. Literally. Through her uplifting, persistence and support, (for example: “Kare”, show me the right way to get up from the floor…Good girl!) her incredible knowledge of the human body, (for example: Here…Look at this skeleton and you can see how these muscles connect to those muscles) she knows the names of all the muscles, bones, etc…, as well as how they support one another. Karen inspired me to continue
the Oh-So-Fun exercises at home as well, even though I always complained whenever she adds more to my list. I am 72 years old and because of Karen Backall, I am now able to do more physical activity than when I was 62! Paddleboard, walk 5 miles without tiring, tug the bottom sheet over our mattress on the bed all by myself! Amazing! Thank you once again, Karen, for being there for me through thick and thin. With the deepest appreciation.” - K. Kaplan “I feel like my old self and even better again!” “I couldn’t walk hardly at all without sitting down and resting every 50 feet. I could not rotate my body at all without grimacing with pain. After surgery and therapy at Appalachian Physical Therapy, I feel like my old self and even better again. No more pain and now have ease of maneuverability. These folks put you through an excellent exercise program. I’m a full-proof example. I would recommend these therapists to anybody.” - D. Hinkle
“They are so friendly and nice!” “I am extremely pleased with the PT I got for my shoulder. I can use it now without pain. I am also pleased with the staff at Appalachian Physical Therapy. They are so friendly and nice. Colleen has always been able to help with any problems that arise. I highly recommend this practice.” -J. Shirkey
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