Lateral Ankle Sprains: How to Prevent and Recover with Physiotherapy in Chandler
Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries, particularly among athletes and active individuals. A lateral ankle sprain, specifically, occurs when the ligaments on the outside of the ankle are stretched or torn. If you’re dealing with an ankle injury or want to learn how to prevent one, physiotherapy can play a key role in your recovery and long-term health.
What is a Lateral Ankle Sprain?
A lateral ankle sprain happens when the foot twists inward, causing the ligaments on the outside of the ankle to stretch or tear. This can happen during various activities like running, walking on uneven surfaces, or playing sports. Symptoms of a lateral ankle sprain can include swelling, bruising, pain, and difficulty walking.
How Physiotherapy Helps with Recovery
When you experience a lateral ankle sprain, it’s important to seek physiotherapy treatment to speed up your recovery and ensure proper healing. Physiotherapists use a combination of treatments such as:
- Manual Therapy: Techniques such as massage and joint mobilisation to reduce pain and improve movement.
- Strengthening Exercises: To rebuild the muscles around your ankle, which will help with stability and prevent further injury.
- Balance Training: Balance exercises help to restore proprioception (the body’s sense of position) in the injured ankle, which is essential for preventing future sprains.
Prevention Tips
Prevention is always better than treatment! To reduce the risk of future ankle sprains, consider the following tips:
- Wear supportive shoes: Proper footwear helps to maintain ankle stability.
- Strengthen your ankle muscles: Performing regular strengthening exercises can make your ankle less prone to injury.
- Warm-up properly: Before engaging in any physical activity, always warm up to prepare your body and prevent sudden injuries.
Lateral ankle sprains can be painful and frustrating, but with the right physiotherapy treatment, you can recover faster and prevent future injuries. If you’re dealing with an ankle sprain or want to learn more about injury prevention, contact our clinic in Chandler for personalised care.
Check out one of our patient, Paige, and her recovery from a lateral ankle sprain!