Ankle injuries are a common sports related injury for athletes. This type of injury typically happens across all sports. Most athletes constantly use their legs to run, stop and to make quick movements with their feet. Ankle injuries can also happen to people who do not play sports. This usually happens if they step the wrong way or twist their ankle while walking or running. When a person injures their ankle, they should visit the emergency room or their family doctor. Physical therapists are also available to help treat ankle injuries. Let’s check out the treatment options that orthopedists, podiatrists and physical therapists provide for ankle injuries.
Orthopedic Treatments for Ankle Injuries
Healthline is an online medical site that provides information concerning medical related issues. The site states that ankle injuries result from a person’s ankle joint being forced out of place. This type of injury could also result from tears from the ligaments surrounding the ankle. If the ligaments are stretched out of place, this too can also cause an ankle injury.
Orthopedists treat ankle injuries in different ways. Some of the most common ways to treat this type of injury by using the RICE method. This method involves the use of Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. The Rest aspect of ice will require a person to stay off their ankle until it heals. People with ankle injuries should also Ice their ankles at least 3 times a day between 15 to 20 minutes. Injured people should also place a Compression on their ankle to help keep the swelling down. Patients with ankle injuries should also Elevate their legs above their heart. The RICE method is a common way to treat ankle injuries for everyone.
Podiatrist Treatments for Ankle Related Problems
A podiatrist is a foot specialist that will provide wide variety of specific services for a person’s feet and ankles in the event they are injured. WebMD lists some common treatment methods include icing the damaged area. They might also give a patient some anti-inflammatory medications. They will also recommend that the patient stay off their feet until their ankle starts to heal. They will also provide a patient with crutches. In some cases, they might implement a brace to help a person during recovery. Finally, if the injury is extremely bad; a podiatrist might recommend surgery. Normally, this option isn’t even considered unless in severe cases. People suffering from ankle sports injury Haymarket Va can get help from podiatrist.
Physical Therapy Solutions for Injured Ankles
The University of Michigan medical department provides some useful information regarding ankle injurie and physical therapy. The physical therapists and medical professionals at this institution recommends patients with ankle injuries to walk on their feet after the swelling has reduce. This will help to strengthen the foot and ankle area. Therapists also state that range of motion exercises should be started 72 hours after an injury has occurred. Once again movement is necessary for healing purposes and to get functionality back into a person’s foot area. They even endorse balance exercises to help a person to recover. These solutions for ankle injuries have been proven to work throughout the years.