Are You Ready to Move With Ease?

There’s a good chance you have a strain or a ligament injury that has left your ankle hurting. These terms are often used interchangeably but they have a significant difference.

A strain is when a tendon or muscle is torn or stretched beyond its limits. These tendons are connected to the bones and the muscles. The most common areas of strain are in the lower back and hamstrings. A sprain refers to the stretching or tearing of a ligament. Ligaments are the rows of tissue that connect bones within a joint. Sprains are most common in your ankle joints, but they can also occur in any other joint in your body.

Ankle injury is a common area of pain

WebMD states that while many injuries are more common as we age, an ankle injury can occur at any age. The rates of ankle sprain in men aged between 15-24 years are higher than those in women over 30 years. Half of all ankle injuries occur in athletic activities. Every day, more than 25,000 Americans injure their ankles. Ankle injuries are the reason why more than 1,000,000 people visit emergency rooms every year.

This is a staggering statistic that shows everyone is at risk of injuring their ankle. It’s important to understand your options for treatment if you do get hurt.

What should I expect from a treatment program?

Active therapy in physiotherapy can include targeted exercises and stretching. Passive treatments include ultrasound, heat therapy, electrical stimulation, and massage. Heat therapy and electrical stimulation are both very effective in relieving ankle pain.

Physiotherapy is also an effective treatment for ligament strains such as ACL tear. ACL tears are very common injuries to the knee. The Achilles tendon, as well as other strains, can be treated with physiotherapy. Physiotherapy can help with any injury, no matter how severe.

What can I do to find relief from my pain?

This technique is possible for most people at home. However, it may not always work. If your injury does not heal in this manner, you should consult a doctor. Most likely, a doctor will conduct some tests and take an X-ray to check for bone fractures. If there aren’t, it is usually a strain or a ligament injury.

This is where physiotherapy comes in! Your doctor might recommend that you see a physiotherapist regardless of the severity or cause of your injury. Your rehabilitation will be greatly assisted by physiotherapy. They are skilled in a variety of techniques to relieve and reduce discomforts such as those from ankle strains and sprains. They can improve your strength and coordination.

What caused me to sustain a strain or sprain?

The symptoms of strains and sprains can be very similar. This is why people tend to mix them up. Muscle spasms, inflammation, reduced range of motion, restricted flexibility, pain, or muscle spasms could all be symptoms.

The main difference is that a sprain usually causes bruising around the affected area.

Here are some ways you can get a strain or sprain:

• Repetitive, prolonged motion
• Slipping and falling
• Sport activities
• Overexerting yourself
• Lifting heavy objects

To avoid a strain or sprain, it is important to warm up before you begin any physical activity. You should ensure that you are aware of your surroundings and use the appropriate equipment to avoid any accidents.

You could also be at risk from environmental factors, like slippery or icy surfaces or exercise on rocky ground, which can cause you to trip or fall.

Start the road to recovery today!

Do not delay treatment if you are suffering from an ankle injury due to a strain or sprain. Our clinic is here to help. Contact Unique Rehab & Physiotherapy today for more information about how we can help you get on the road to recovery.

Our licensed and qualified physiotherapists will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your condition to establish the best treatment plan. We will get you back to your normal life in no time!