N E W S L E T T E R
RECOVER QUICKER &MORE COMPLETELY F R O M S P R A I N S & S T R A I N S
Have you recently sustained an injury to your foot or ankle that has resulted in pain? If so, it ispossiblethatyoumayexperiencingtheeffects of either a sprain or strain, depending on what structure was injured (tendon or ligament). While there are many factors that can lead to foot and ankle pain, sprains/strains are some commonexamples.Even ifyourpainsubsides, dysfunction may still be present. Ifyouhavenoticed limitedmobility,previousor present pain, or other issues with your ankles or feet, AAPT can help. We can determine if the cause of your injury was indeed a sprain or strain, in addition to helping provide you with the necessary treatments for healing. We can also provide you with tips for avoiding re-injury in the future, so you don’t have to worry about avoiding certain activities. Why Is My Foot Or Ankle Hurting? Whetheryoutrip,fall,ortwistyourfootorankle “wrong,” foot and ankle pain that stems from a sprain or a strain is often the result of some sort of injury. However, it is also commonly due to an underlyingweakness inthemusclesofthefoot or leg. In fact, any accumulation of factors can lead to a gradual onset of pain, including loss ofrangeofmotion,alteredmovementpatterns, balance issues, and overall affected mobility. Peoplewhosprainorstraintheirfeetorankles oftenfindthattheyarecontinuouslyre-injuring
thatpartoftheirbody.Fortunately,thisdoesnot have to be the case with the help of physical therapy. What’s the Difference Between a Sprain and Strain? A sprain happens when a ligament (the tissue thatconnectsonebonetoanother) isstretched ortorn.Aspraincanalsohappenwhenthere is damagetoa jointcapsule,orthepartoftheankle orfootthataddsstabilitytothe joint.Symptoms of sprains include pain, inflammation, muscle spasm, and sometimes an inability to move your foot or ankle. While sprains happen when there is damage to a ligament, strains happen when there is damage to a muscle or tendon (the tissue that connects muscle to bone). Strains usually happen when the muscle suddenly contracts while it isstretched, likewhenyourunor jump. The symptoms of strains are similar to those associated with sprains, making them difficult to tell apart without doing a physical therapy examination. If you are unsure about whether you sustained asprainorstrain,wecanhelpyou figure itout. How Should My Sprain Or Strain Be Treated? 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 by 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.
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