Physical Therapy for Ankle Sprains in NJ

A sprain of any sort is diagnosed when damage is incurred in the ligament of a joint. The ankle joint is particularly susceptible to this type of trauma. Ankle sprains are ranked according to the severity of the injury; for example, grade III ankle sprains are quite serious and sometimes require surgery. However, most sprains in the ankle are diagnosed as either uncomplicated or complicated. Uncomplicated ankle sprains do not require surgery and can be treated effectively with physical therapy. Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation offers physical therapy for ankle injuries in our NJ pain management office.

The ankle joint is made up of three major bones; these bones are connected by ligaments and tendons. The purpose of tendons is to attach bones to muscle and facilitate movement. Inflammation or injury to the tendons results in a condition known as tendonitis.

Ligaments, on the other hand, are responsible for attaching the bones to each other. Any abnormal stretching force can cause injury to the ligaments and result in a sprain. For example, accidentally stepping onto an uneven surface or encountering an unexpected change in walking area can cause a twisting of the ankle and result in a sprain.

In many cases, the ligament that connects the fibula (the front part of the ankle) to the talus bone (the outside part of the ankle) becomes injured. This is known as the anterior talo-fibular ligament.

Such injuries involve the turning of the foot inward or inverted, and they often occur during sports activities or simply from incorrectly placing the foot when walking or running.

The Symptoms of an Ankle Sprain

After an injury or mishap in which the ankle has been affected, an ankle sprain is often experienced as throbbing pain in the joint itself. Swelling, or edema, is also often observed in the affected ankle. For some patients, this edema can be severe. Such swelling is the result of increased fluid in the tissues of the ankle; it may be accompanied by warmth and redness.

Correct diagnosis and treatment of an ankle sprain is imperative; failing to address this condition can lead to long-term instability in the ankle as well as chronic pain and disability.

Monmouth County Physical Therapy for Ankle Sprains

Because there are varying degrees of ankle sprain severity, the first step in the treatment process is to obtain an accurate diagnosis. The Medical Director at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation begins all programs of ankle sprain rehabilitation with a full diagnostic process.

Most patients will begin the treatment process with Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE). In order to help patients heal from injury and regain normal movement, our team of physical therapists design programs of safe and effective therapeutic exercise. To facilitate healing and reduce pain, our facility also offers low-lever laser therapy (also known as cold laser therapy); ultrasound technology; and electrotherapy.

For more information about Monmouth Country programs of pain management and rehabilitation for ankle sprains, please contact our New Jersey physical therapy office. Our facility also offers medical services, acupuncture, and chiropractic care.