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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.
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