Ankle pain refers to any type of pain or discomfort affecting any part of the ankle. Ankle pain can typically be relieved at home with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication. A physical therapy treatment program can assist you with reinforcing your muscles and stay away from re-harming them.  

While some sports injuries are unavoidable, others can be avoided. Sports injuries are caused by a variety of factors, including poor training methods, a lack of preparation, and an insufficient warmup. Competitions, organized sports, fitness programs, and exercises are all familiar places for injuries to develop. Physical therapy is required to recover after a fracture, joint dislocation, sprain, or strain. 

After an injury, physical therapy helps people regain strength and movement in many sections of the body. Physical therapy can also aid in ankle pain relief and the prevention of long-term damage and difficulties. Physical therapy performed by trained, specialized and experienced doctors can now be delivered to you in the comfort of your own home. 

The Most Common Sports Injuries

Ankle Injury

An ankle injury is a possibility for almost every athlete who spends a lot of time jogging. The connective tissue in your ankle might be stretched or torn if you curl or twist it.

Concussion

In contact sports, there is a danger of concussion. When your brain collides with the inside of your skull, it causes concussions. 

Pulled Muscles 

Excessive use of your muscles, particularly weary muscles, might result in strains or tears after a lengthy period of exercise. This occurs in various places of your legs while sprinting continually, jumping, and switching back, all of which need a lot of skill. This type of injury can be treated at a sports injury clinic, Johnson City, TN. 

Knee Injury

A sprain or tear in the knee can be caused by a sudden twisting or bending in the wrong direction. One of the most prevalent knee injuries in athletes is ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tears.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, also known as tendinitis, happens when the muscles and connective tissue surrounding your elbows become inflamed due to overuse. Tendonitis can affect other joints in your body as well. 

Various Methods To Treat Ankle Pain

The majority of ankle discomfort improves with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers. For at-home ankle pain remedies, follow your physical therapist’s advice. Your physical therapist may suggest the RICE approach (rest, ice, compression, and elevation). See your physical therapist, Johnson City, TN, if the pain is severe or your ankle still bothers you after a few days of at-home therapy. 

Rest

If you’ve had a sprain or other type of sports injury, you should rest for a bit. Consult your healthcare practitioner to determine how long you should relax. Crutches or a walking boot can assist you in moving around without placing pressure on your ankle.

Ice

Apply ice or a cold compress to the area for 15 to 20 minutes every few hours to minimize swelling. 

Compression

To minimize inflammation, ask your physical therapist about placing an elastic bandage around your ankle. Do not wrap it too tightly.

Elevation

Swelling can be reduced by resting with your ankle elevated above your heart. You could also try sleeping with your foot elevated. 

Wear Appropriate Footwear

Ensure your shoes offer good help for your feet and lower legs. Wearing flip-flops, sandals, or shoes with too much wiggle room is not a good idea. It is critical to wear appropriate footwear when participating in sports. Basketball and volleyball, for example, can cause sports injuries in the ankle if the proper footwear is not worn.

Braces And Splints

An ankle brace can help to reduce pain while also stabilizing the ankle. Certain braces are more suited to specific activities. Request a recommendation from your physical therapist for one that best suits your needs. 

Medications

Inflammation and soreness in the ankles can be relieved with a variety of medications. Arthritis and gout medications can considerably reduce pain and edema. 

Physical Therapy Sessions

A physical therapy program designed specifically for you will help you increase flexibility and strengthen the muscles that support your ankle. Your physical therapist will construct a physical therapy plan for you that includes exercises and stretches specifically tailored to your needs. Make sure you do your exercises and stretches on a regular basis. 

Stretching And Strengthening Exercises

Rest is essential for rehabilitation, but sitting and sleeping in the same position can cause swelling and weaken the muscles around the injured area. You can stretch a specific part of your foot or do activities that work your entire foot. These exercises aid in the healing process and keep the muscles from stiffening. 

Concluding Thoughts!

Ankle pain is a common sign of a variety of sports injuries and illnesses. Walking can be difficult or impossible due to swelling, stiffness, and pain. Most ankle injuries improve with simple home remedies like elevating your foot and getting lots of rest. Ankle pain does not typically necessitate surgery. Consult your physical therapist if the pain is severe, you have a lot of swelling, or the pain does not go away after a few days.