If you have persistent ankle pain, there’s a good possibility you’ve sustained a strain or sprain!
Although these two words are frequently used interchangeably, there is a distinction between them. A strain occurs when a muscle or tendon tears or stretches too far.
Tendons are the connective tissue that connects bones to muscles. A hamstring or lower back strain is the most common type of strain. A sprain occurs when a ligament is overstretched or torn. Ligaments are the tissue rows that link the bones of a joint. Sprains are most commonly found in the ankle joint.
The good news is that you no longer have to endure discomfort. Physical therapy treatment at Orthopedic Sports Therapy could help your situation!
Give our office a call now to learn more about natural and effective pain management and the elimination of sprains and strains. You will be welcomed by one of our qualified physical therapists, and you’ll be in great hands!
Common causes of sprains and strains
Strains and sprains have extremely similar symptoms, which is another reason why people confuse the two. Muscle spasms, edema and inflammation, restricted range of motion, limited flexibility, and pain around the afflicted joint are all possible symptoms.
The most significant distinction between the two is that a sprain usually manifests itself as bruising on the skin around the affected area.
Some ways that you can receive a strain or sprain are as follows:
- Lifting heavy objects
- Overexerting yourself
- Athletic activities
- Slipping and falling
- Prolonged repetitive motion
If you want to avoid a sprain or strain, it’s critical to warm up before engaging in physical activity. Make sure you’re awake and aware of your surroundings while exercising and using the correct equipment to avoid an accident ending in one of the two injuries.
Additional environmental elements can put you at risk, such as slipping and falling on ice or slick surfaces, or exercising on rocky ground.
How does a physical therapist treat sprains and strains?
Often, doctors refer their patients to physical therapy after diagnosing a sprain or strain themselves. A doctor will most likely perform a few tests and take an X-ray to see if there are breaks to the bone. If there are not, usually the diagnosis is a strain or sprain. Physical therapists are movement specialists who can assess your situation and determine the best treatment method for your recovery.
No matter how you received your injury, a physical therapy program can play a major role in your recovery, as physical therapists know many different ways to successfully treat and reduce pain, including ankle sprains and strains. They can also improve your coordination and strength!
Your physical therapy treatment may involve active and passive techniques
Active treatment in physical therapy involves targeted exercises and stretches. Passive treatment involves electrical stimulation, ultrasound, massage, and heat therapy. Electrical stimulation and heat therapy are very effective for reducing ankle pain.
Physical therapy has also been proven as a successful treatment for ligament sprains such as an ACL tear. An ACL tear is a common knee injury. Physical therapy has also been effective for an injury to the Achilles tendon and other types of sprains and strains. No matter what your injury might be, physical therapy is here to help.
Am I at risk for an ankle injury?
Although many injuries are more likely to occur as we age, WebMD states, “Ankle injuries can happen to anyone at any age. However, men between 15 and 24 years old have higher rates of ankle sprain compared to women older than age 30, who have higher rates than men. Half of all ankle sprains occur during athletic activity. Every day in the U.S., 25,000 people sprain their ankle. And more than 1 million people visit emergency rooms yearly because of ankle injuries.”
That’s a pretty impressive statistic, and it just goes to show that literally, everyone is at risk of receiving an injury to their ankle! That’s why it’s incredibly important to be aware of how you’re moving your body to prevent one and understand your treatment options should you get hurt.
Request an appointment at our clinic
If you’re suffering from ankle pain or a strain or sprain, don’t let things get worse by putting treatment off any longer. Our office is here to help! Give us a call today to learn how we can get you on the road to recovery. The experienced and certified physical therapists at Orthopedic Sports Therapy will do a comprehensive assessment of your condition and create an individualized treatment program. We’ll have you recovering and living your normal life again in no time!
