What can I do about my sore ankle?

Ankle & Foot Part 2

Ankle pain first needs to be categorized based on how long you have had it:

• Acute (0-4 days)
  • Minor strains/cramps usually pass within 3-4 days.
    • If this pain is more than 4/10 (10/10 being the worst pain ever), keeps you from walking, or really bothers you, go see a healthcare provider (specialties listed below)! 
  • Here are some indicators for when you should see a provider:
    • Unable to put weight on it
    • Unable to move it at all or with a lot of pain
    • Swelling 
    • Visible bruising 
  • PRICE protocol can be applied
    • Protect by limiting activities
    • Rest the ankle and foot
    • Ice the area of pain twice a day 10-20 mins each
    • Compression (compression wraps/ACE elastic bandage) 
    • Elevation of the foot and ankle using 1-3 pillows for 20 minutes before bed and 2x/day if you can!

• Subacute (4 days to 3 months)
  • Typically if your pain enters this range, you want to consider seeing a healthcare provider, as this is representative of an injury, or dysfunction.
  • PRICE protocol during this phase can help alleviate symptoms but may not address the source of the pain.

• Chronic (more than 3 months)
  • You may need to see one or a few of the following specialists. Every specialty is unique and can add value to your overall prognosis.
    • Orthopedist, Orthopedic Surgeon
    • Osteopath
    • Podiatrist 
    • Physical Therapy
  • If pain persists, you’ll work with a provider to find the source of your pain, and address the underlying problems that are causing your symptoms.

What role does Physical Therapy play?

Physical therapy can help:

• Assess the source of your pain
• Manage it conservatively using:
  • manual therapy
  • Therapeutic exercises
• Provide a home exercise program and progress/modify as needed.

Physical therapists are placed within the healthcare system to help you actively and safely return to all the activities you enjoy. Physical therapists can assess your ankle at each of the stages it’s in and recommend various interventions and exercises specific to your injury. PT’s are also able to assess for the primary dysfunction, what, if any, joints predisposed your ankle to the injury (ex. recurrent ankle sprains).

We Can Help!

We offer a quick call back option for potential patients who have questions or concerns related to physical therapy.

Body Harmony Physical Therapy offers one physical therapist to one patient evaluation and treatment sessions. Our treatments are for up to one hour in a private treatment room (not a booth). We provide individualized home programs to every patient.