Rehabilitation After A Broken Wrist in Visalia

A wrist fracture can really slow you down.  If you are looking for rehabilitation after a broken wrist in Visalia, Bacci & Glinn PT can help.  Our physical therapy treatment can play is very important in assisting patients with a full recovery after a wrist fracture.

The wrist is a complex joint in which 15 different bones meet, each one with its own specific function. The radius is one of the bones in the forearm that connects the elbow to the wrist, and fractures of this bone are extremely common. When the term “broken wrist” is used, it usually refers to fractures of the distal part of the radius, which is where it meets the wrist. The treatment a wrist fracture depends on how serious it is, but regardless of what is recommended, physical therapy can—and should—be involved.

Wrist fractures account for approximately 1/6 of all broken bones, and they occur in about 15% of women over the age of 50. The vast majority of these injuries result when someone falls and lands with their hands outstretched, which is often called a “fall on an outstretched hand,” or FOOSH. Athletes who participate in fast-paced sports like soccer and basketball are at an increased risk for wrist fractures, but so are older adults who may suffer an accidental slip or fall.

Every year about 1 of every 3 adults over age 65 experiences a fall, and many of these accidents lead to a fracture of the wrist or some other bone. Unfortunately, research has also shown that older adults who suffer a single wrist fracture are more likely to have difficulties with their balance, which places them at an increased risk for additional injuries in the future. On the flip side, poor balance has been identified as the number one factor that leads to the majority of wrist fractures. So it appears that poor balance, wrist fractures and falls are all closely related: poor balance increases the risk for falling and fracturing the wrist, and wrist fractures in turn impair balance as a result.

This highlights the need for an intervention that addresses all of these factors, and physical therapy may very well be the best solution available. A course of physical therapy can be used to conservatively (non-surgically) treat wrist fractures that are not too severe, and it is also strongly recommended for rehabilitating the fractures that do require surgery. In addition, physical therapists can create balance-training programs for older adults who may be at risk for falling, thereby improving their balance and reducing their risk for a fall—and a wrist fracture—in the process.

One recent study investigated the effectiveness of physical therapy in treating a group of 74 patients with distal radius fractures by comparing a supervised physical therapy program with a home-based exercise program. Six months afterwards, they reached the following conclusion:

A supervised physical therapy program is more effective for improving function in the short- and medium-term when compared with a home-exercise program in patients older than 60 years with an extraarticular distal radius fracture without immediate complications

So if you’re concerned with your risk for falling, have recently experienced a wrist fracture, and need rehab after a broken wrist in Visalia, seeing one of our physical therapists may very well be your best bet for a successful recovery and to protect you from injury in the long term.

Tennis Elbow or Golfers Elbow – Natural Treatment is our Expertise

 

Do you know someone that is looking for tennis elbow treatment in Visalia?  How about a golfers elbow treatment in Visalia? We understand.  Elbow pain is a common complaint in avid tennis players and golfers, but some simple strategies from a physical therapist can correct these problems

Tennis and golf are popular recreational sporting activities that attract participants in many age groups, but they seem to be especially popular with older adults. This may be due to the more leisurely nature of the two sports compared to some others, and the fact that golf also doubles as a social engagement as well. Another unfortunate similarity that these two sports share, however, is that regular participation in either one can lead to elbow pain that can make it difficult to play. But the good news is that some basic changes and physical therapy can help correct these issues.

Golfer’s elbow is a condition that results from the repeated bending of the wrist that is necessary in a golf swing. This damages the muscles and tendons of the medial epicondyle—a piece of bone on the inside of the elbow that allows the forearm, wrist and hand to bend and move in several different ways—and eventually leads to inflammation. It is especially common in golfers because gripping or swinging clubs incorrectly or with too much force can take a toll on the structures within the elbow over time.

Similarly, tennis elbow is another type of overuse injury that involves the lateral epicondyle, a bony bump that is located on the outside of the elbow. In this case, the tendons that attach the forearm and wrist muscles on the outside of the elbow once again become inflamed due to repeated use of the arm and elbow. The culprit of tennis elbow is overuse, and while the motions of racquet sports like tennis are largely influential in its progression, any activity that involves repetitive and vigorous use of the forearm muscle can lead to it.

In both conditions, symptoms like pain, tenderness, swelling, weakened grip strength and a burning sensation on either the inside or outside of the elbow are indicators that tennis or golfer’s elbow may be present. These symptoms often develop gradually and are worsened by activities that involve the forearm, and if left unchecked, can go on to make many basic activities that require gripping or grasping a major challenge.

This is where physical therapy comes in. Since both of these injuries are due to overuse, in most cases they can be minimized or stopped from progressing further with some training adjustments and proper conditioning. To treat and prevent tennis and golfer’s elbow, physical therapists recommend the following:

  • Always warm up and stretch before playing, and cool down afterwards
  • Be sure you’re using proper footwear and equipment
  • Maintain adequate fitness and flexibility levels with conditioning exercises that are specific to the physical demands of tennis and golf
  • Perform strengthening exercises, especially for your arms and core muscles
  • Have an expert evaluate your gameplay to ensure your techniques are being executed correctly; focus on improving areas that need work

Physical therapists can also create a personalized treatment program if either of these injuries fails to improve with the initial changes made. A recent study looked into whether one intervention used by physical therapists—joint mobilizations—were beneficial to patients with tennis elbow, and the conclusion they arrived at stated the following:

There is compelling evidence that joint mobilizations have a positive effect on both pain and/or functional grip scores across all time frames compared to control groups in the management of tennis elbow

This shows why any tennis players or golfers dealing with elbow pain should strongly consider seeing a physical therapist, as doing so will help these athletes return to the activities they love for years to come.

There’s no need to continue to suffer.  If you are seeking out an expert in (lateral epicondylitis) tennis elbow treatment in Visalia, give us a call.  Click here to visit our contact page.  We have two offices and both are equipped with expert staff that can treat golfers elbow in Visalia too.

Fall Prevention Program in Visalia – Reduce Your Fall Risk

Staying active and physical therapy can help reduce your risk for falls

Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries in older adults, and as a result, they threaten seniors’ safety and independence in major ways. This is exactly why we offer a fall prevention program in Visalia.

Approximately one-third of Americans aged 65 and over falls each year, which results in more than 2.4 million injuries treated in emergency rooms. Most fractures among older adults are caused by falls, with over 95% of hip fractures resulting from a fall of some sort.

A fall can occur for a number of reasons, but they are often due to a combination of internal and external factors. Poor vision and/or balance in an environment with bad lighting, bad footing or slippery surfaces can be a recipe for a fall, and environmental hazards are responsible for at least one-third of all falls, both in and out of the house.

If a fall does occur, many people unfortunately go on to develop an even greater fear of falling, even if they’re not injured. This can cause them to limit their activities, which leads to reduced mobility and loss of physical fitness. Worst of all, this process can turn into a vicious cycle that actually increases the risk for falling rather than lowering it.

What’s most important to realize is that falling should not be seen as an inevitable part of aging. Making simple changes around your home, as well as improving your balance with some targeted exercises can significantly reduce your risk of falling. Below are some fall-prevention tips to help you stay on your feet and injury-free:

  • Get physically active on a regular basis, as keeping up with your physical fitness is one of the best ways to keep your body strong and prevent falls
  • See a physical therapist for a balance training program to be completed in the clinic and at home; these types of programs focus on improving balance and posture, which will reduce your chances of falling
  • Wear shoes with nonskid soles, consider getting Velcro or spyrolaces if needed
  • Conduct a walkthrough of your home to identify possible problems that may lead to a fall; once identified, make any necessary changes to remove these risks
  • Install handrails on both sides of all stairways, avoid clutter and putting any items on the floor, remove throw rugs and make sure your home is well-lit
  • Get your eyes checked once a year, and get adequate calcium and vitamin D
  • Take your time, be patient and ask others for help with difficult, risky tasks

Balance training programs created by physical therapists have been shown to be effective for reducing the risk for falls in older adults, and the conclusion of this recent study highlights the potential benefits of any type of exercise in the elderly population:

Adding resistance exercise to aerobic exercise improves factors associated with an increased risk of falls. However, both exercise regimes, combined or aerobic alone, are more effective than no exercise in the reduction of fall risk factors.

So if you are concerned with risk for falling or that of a loved one, seeing a physical therapist is one of the best choices you can make to do something about it. Contact us to find out more about our Fall Prevention Program in Visalia and how we can help reduce your fall risk so you can lead a safer life.

Physical Therapists Help with Balance Treatment in Visalia

Physical therapists can help manage any balance disorders that may be interfering with your life

At any given moment throughout the day, when performing practically every movement, our vestibular system is responsible for keeping us balanced. For most of us, we hardly even think about how much we use this system during tasks like walking up stairs or standing from a chair. But for anyone with a balance disorder, some of these seemingly simple tasks that we take for granted can become extremely challenging.  The good news is our clinicians are experts at helping patients with balance treatment in Visalia.

The vestibular system is the sensory system that provides the brain with the most important information regarding the body’s sense of balance and spatial orientation in order to coordinate our movements smoothly. The system detects motion of the head—mainly through the inner ear, as well as the eyes, muscles and joints—and from this, it generates reflexes that are crucial for completing many daily activities. Some of these tasks include stabilizing our gaze and maintaining the posture of our head and body.

When the vestibular system functions properly, most people are unaware of it and don’t think twice about activities like walking on uneven surfaces or arising from bed in the middle of the night. When certain disorders affect the vestibular system, however, various symptoms can come about, the most common of which are dizziness, vertigo and balance problems.

There are a number of causes of dizziness and vertigo, but two of the most common are benign paroxysmal vertigo disorder and vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis. Both of these vestibular disorders occur due to different problems with the inner ear, and cause a change in the information being received by the brain from the vestibular system.

Vestibular therapy is one important intervention physical therapists provide that works to improve balance with various exercises. Treatment typically consists of the following:

  • An evaluation of all body parts that affect balance to determine how much balance is impaired; the resulting program will be based on this evaluation
  • Gaze stabilization exercises: these exercises are designed to keep vision steady while making rapid side-to-side head turns and focusing on an object, which will help the brain adapt to new signaling from the vestibular system
  • Balance retraining exercises: these exercises include shifting body weight in various directions while standing to improve how information is sent to the brain
  • Home-exercise program: your physical therapist will also create a program to be performed at home that includes these exercises and possibly others

The benefits of balance therapy in Visalia for patients with balance disorders can be seen in the conclusion of this study review from 2015:

Patients with central and peripheral vestibular disorders benefit from physical therapy interventions. Advances in physical therapy interventions include new methods to stimulate adaptation of the vestibulo-ocular reflex and the vestibulospinal systems.

So if you’re dealing with any sort of balance problem and are looking for balance treatment in Visalia, we strongly recommend coming in for a visit. Our physical therapists can help get to the root of your problem and start you on your way to a more stable life without any bothersome balance complications.

For more information about our balance program, click here to visit our balance therapy page.

To Get Started on a Balance Evaluation & Treatment Program call (559-733-2478)

Looking for a Knee Pain Specialist in Hanford

If you’re currently dealing with knee pain, you may find yourself in a difficult predicament. Sometimes you need some guidance from a knee pain specialist in Hanford.  If so, this article and a visit with one of our physical therapists can help.

The best—and worst—types of physical activity for your knee pain

You probably want to continue doing the things you love, but when you do, your pain holds you back, and you might be concerned that you’re damaging it even more when you exercise. This situation is common, but as physical therapists, we can assure you that staying active is still very possible and strongly encouraged.

Knee pain is actually the second most common musculoskeletal condition in the general population behind back pain, and its prevalence is increasing as a result of the obesity epidemic and our aging population. Some cases of knee pain develop over time and are classified as overuse injuries, such as runner’s knee and iliotibial band syndrome. In others, though, knee pain results from traumatic injuries sustained in sports, usually as the result of a sudden change in direction or quick weight shift. This can lead to a tear of the meniscus, ACL or some other soft tissue within the knee.

But whatever the cause of the knee pain, it doesn’t have to put an end to your participation in physical activity. All it means is you’ll need to switch to exercises that have less of an impact on your knees while still working out the rest of your body. In turn, strengthening the muscles around the knee joints will protect you from injury by decreasing the stress and protecting them from normal wear and tear.

So if you’re trying to stay active while rehabilitating your painful knee, this list should serve as a great starting point for you:

  • Swimming: any type of water activity, including swimming, is ideal for the knees since it’s low impact; however, the butterfly stroke should be avoided
  • Brisk walking/biking/elliptical machine: the elliptical is a great alternative to jogging, while brisk walking and biking are always smart low-impact option
  • Yoga/Pilates/Tai Chi: if you’re able to get a personal class, tell your instructor about your knee pain, and they’ll be able to personalize your program for you
  • Stretching: the hamstring stretch, quadriceps stretch and iliotibial band stretch all target muscles in your thigh that help stabilize the knees
  • Wear a brace: you should also consider wearing a quality knee brace while performing these activities, which is designed to protect an injured knee and ensure the knee moves in a controlled manner without being constricted; consult with a doctor or physical therapist for help picking out a brace
  • Use insoles: cushioned insoles are also helpful in shoes to reduce stress on knees
  • Avoid: any high-impact exercise or any physical activity that involves sudden stops, starts, pivots or jumps and landings, including jogging, basketball, tennis, soccer, football and racquetball; these activities can make knee pain worse

Physical activity is just one part of the equation, and a comprehensive physical therapy program is also needed to properly rehabilitate most knee conditions. This is why we strongly recommend giving us a call to set up a consultation that will determine the best path forward for you based on your situation and personal goals.

For More Information You can Contact Our Hanford Office at (559) 582-1027

If the the Visalia Office is More Convenient, You can Call Us at (559) 733-2478

Physical Therapy After Knee Replacement in Visalia

Physical therapists play a vital role throughout both before and after knee replacement

Are you looking for physical therapy after knee replacement in Visalia?  If so, this information below might help.  We summarize why seeing a physical therapist pre and post knee replacement is a good idea.

Your knees take on a great deal of impact, especially if you’re actively involved in sports that consist of lots of running, jumping and/or cutting. As a result, the knee is one of the most commonly injured regions of the body, and the most commonly replaced joint. If you’re considering knee replacement surgery, it’s important to realize that physical therapy is a crucial part of the entire process.

Knee replacement surgery—or total knee arthroplasty—is a very popular procedure, but deciding to have it performed should only come after all other options have been unsuccessful. Almost all sources of knee pain should be treated conservatively (non-surgically) first with physical therapy and certain lifestyle modifications. If knee pain continues to be bothersome after attempting various types of conservative treatment, patients should evaluate the option of surgery with their physical therapist and an orthopedic surgeon.

If you’re found to be a good candidate for knee replacement surgery, your surgeon will explain the procedure itself, as well as the preparation and recovery process that will come with it. Physical therapy is integral at all stages, and your physical therapist can help ensure that the surgery is successful by providing evaluation and treatment before and after the procedure.

Before Surgery

  • Your physical therapist will teach you a number of exercises and show you how to walk with an assistive device (e.g. cane or crutches) after the procedure
  • They will also discuss important precautions and adaptations to make at home

Immediately After Surgery

  • Most patients will stay in the hospital for 2-3 days following surgery, and rehab typically begins almost immediately after waking up: your physical therapist will attempt to have you standing up and walking around within 24 hours
  • Your physical therapist will help you with the process of walking with an assistive device again and begin some range of motion exercises

After Being Discharged From Hospital

  • This is when the bulk of your rehabilitation will begin with a program that includes range of motion and strengthening exercises, and body awareness and balance training
  • As you gradually regain your physical capacity and motion, you will start an active recovery process that includes exercises that help will help improve activities of daily living

The benefits of physical therapy after total knee replacement surgery are frequently identified in related research, and in one recent study, it was found to reduce the amount of time patients spent in the hospital after their procedure. The conclusion states:

After total knee replacement, there is low-level evidence that accelerated physical therapy regimens can reduce acute hospital length of stay.

Making the decision to have surgery for your knee pain is a difficult one, and with it, you’ll probably want to do everything you can to ensure a positive outcome and quick return to the things you love. Physical therapy before and after this procedure is one of the best ways to increase the chances of a successful recovery, and this is why we strongly encourage you to contact us for a consultation if you’re considering knee replacement surgery.

If you have any questions about physical therapy after knee replacement in Visalia or Hanford, we can help.

Click here for the phone and address information for each of our clinics.

Shoulder Impingement Treatment in Visalia – Surgery Is Not Your Only Option

If you have pain in your shoulder, there’s a strong chance shoulder impingement syndrome is responsible

If you look at an x-ray or an MRI of your shoulder, and the doctor tells you that your rotator cuff and bursa are being pinched, you may think that the only shoulder impingement treatment in Visalia is a knife.  Let me share another natural option.

The shoulder is a complex joint consisting of numerous tendons, ligaments and muscles that allow the arm to move in several different directions. These structures help keep the shoulder stable and are crucial for its flexibility, but they also make it vulnerable to a number of injuries. This is one of the main reasons shoulder pain is so common, especially in individuals who perform lots of overhead movements. In most cases, this pain is due to a condition called shoulder impingement syndrome, but the good news is that physical therapy can help, regardless of its cause.

The shoulder is made up of three bones: the upper arm bone (humerus), the shoulder blade (scapula) and the collarbone (clavicle). The humerus and scapula are surrounded and connected by the rotator cuff, which is a group of muscles and tendons that keeps the shoulder stable and allows for the ball-and-socket movements of the joint. There is also a fluid-filled sac called the bursa between the rotator cuff and a bony prominence on the top of the scapula (acromion), and its function is to provide a cushion during movement.

In shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS), the tendons of the rotator cuff become compressed—or “impinged”—as they pass through the narrow space beneath the acromion. Over time, this causes the tendons to become irritated and inflamed, and will lead to bothersome symptoms like swelling and tenderness, loss of strength, restricted shoulder movement and shoulder pain at rest, when moving the shoulder overhead and/or when sleeping.

SIS is most common in individuals that regularly perform lots of overhead activities like golfers, swimmers, and baseball and tennis players, as well as painters and construction workers. If the condition develops, it’s strongly advised to receive physical therapy as soon as possible in order to prevent it from progressing further. Physical therapy for SIS typically consists of the following components:

  • Activity modification/functional training
  • Stretching exercises
  • Strengthening exercises
  • Hands-on (manual) therapy
  • Posture education

A recently published study investigated the effectiveness of eccentric strengthening exercises—a treatment commonly used in physical therapy programs—for patients with SIS, and the results were very encouraging. The conclusion states:

An eccentric program targeting the external rotators was superior to a general exercise program for strength, pain, and function after six months. The findings suggest eccentric training may be efficacious to improve self-report function and strength for those with subacromial pain syndrome (another term for SIS).

Shoulder symptoms from SIS can severely impair your abilities to perform your job or just get through the day without pain, but it doesn’t have to be this way. If your shoulder is bothering you, contact your local physical therapist first and fast, and begin on your path to a pain-free future.

Chronic Neck Pain Treatment in Visalia

For long-term neck pain that just won’t go away, a comprehensive physical therapy program is the fastest path to improvement

Cervical spine pain is a common diagnosis and for many it can last more than three months (then you are labeled as a chronic pain patient).  Physical therapy is a definitely something to consider if you are looking for chronic neck pain treatment in Visalia.

Neck pain is one of the most common health problems throughout the world, and it’s second only to back pain when it comes to painful disorders affecting the muscles or bones. Statistics vary on just how prevalent neck pain is, but some figures estimate that up to 80% of Americans experience at least one episode of neck pain each year. Dealing with neck pain can prove to be a major obstacle in living and functioning normally, and can even lead to some individuals being unable to work.

The majority of people who get neck pain improve on their own within a few days or possibly longer, but for some, it spirals into a long-term and bothersome problem. Between 50-85% of patients who develop neck pain will not experience a complete improvement in their symptoms, and almost half of these individuals will go on to have chronic neck pain. The term chronic neck pain is used to describe pain that lasts for more than three months, and it can lead to additional issues like stress, anxiety, reduced quality of life and a tendency to avoid certain behaviors that might aggravate the pain.

This shows why it’s important to develop strategies for treating patients with neck pain early in order to help them avoid any long-term complications from their problem. There are many treatments available to address neck pain, but one of the most reliable approaches is physical therapy.

The primary benefit of physical therapy is that it takes into account each patient’s symptoms, goals and abilities, and each treatment program is tailored around these individual factors to produce the best possible outcomes. Programs vary from patient to patient, but usually include a variety of treatments, such as massage, patient education, exercise therapy, stretches and/or manual therapy, which consists of mobilizations and manipulations applied to the neck region by the hands of a physical therapist.

A recent study evaluated the effectiveness of cervical mobilization—a type of manual therapy—as a component of a physical therapy program for patients with neck pain, and the conclusion shows why this intervention is used so frequently:

The results suggest that a combination of cervical mobilization with routine physical therapy is more effective for reducing pain and disability and improving neck muscle endurance and neck range of motion in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain compared to routine physical therapy alone.

Just because neck pain is common doesn’t mean it’s something that should hold you back in your daily endeavors. Address your neck pain early by seeing a physical therapist if you notice lingering symptoms, and you’ll be reducing your chances of experiencing bothersome long-term problems associated with chronic neck pain.

Runner’s Knee Treatment in Visalia and Hanford

 

We hear it all of the time.  I didn’t know that PT is an excellent option for runner’s knee treatment in Visalia and Hanford.  It’s true…yes, active individuals are at a higher risk for runner’s knee, but also true that physical therapy can address symptoms before they get worse.

If you run or participate in other sports that involve lots of running on a regular basis, you’re putting yourself in a good position health-wise to maintain adequate fitness.  Unfortunately, you’re also placing yourself at an increased for a number of running-related injuries, and a condition called patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is high on that list.  PFPS can truly dampen your ability to keep staying active, but help is on the way in the form of physical therapy.

The knee consists of two major joints: the tibiofemoral joint, which connects the shinbone (tibia) to the thighbone (femur), and the patellofemoral joint, which connects the kneecap (patella) to the femur.  PFPS—also known as runner’s knee—is essentially an umbrella term used to describe any type of pain that arises from this patellofemoral joint or the area directly surrounding it.  Another way of explaining it is pain at the front of the knee, in and around the patella.

Runner’s knee is regarded as an overuse injury, which means it usually develops due to excessive or repetitive movements that require the use of the knee.  This is why the condition is most common in individuals who are physically active with running or other sports, especially when someone suddenly increases the amount or type of training in their routine.  Other contributing factors include weakness, tightness or stiffness in the muscles around the knee, or an abnormality in the way the lower leg lines up with the hip, knee or foot.

Together, these conditions can interfere with the ability of the patella to glide smoothly on the femur during movement, and this increased friction is what is responsible for the pain and other symptoms associated with runner’s knee.  Patients with runner’s knee typically report feeling pain in or around the patella when walking up or down stairs/hills, after long periods of activity or sitting, or when spending time on uneven surfaces.

These symptoms can certainly make it difficult to keep active or even get through the day without issue, and many patients with runner’s knee have to take time away from their routine as a result.  But physical therapy can actually address these symptoms as soon as they begin and help patients recover before their condition gets any worse.  A typical physical therapy program will include the following:

  • Strengthening exercises
  • Stretching exercises
  • Sport-specific training
  • Taping or bracing if necessary
  • Cross-training guidance to avoid too much time in one sport

Results from a recent review of several studies illustrate just how effective a physical therapy program can be for patients with PFPS:

The studies indicated that manual therapy combined with physical therapy has some effect on reducing pain and improving function in PFPS, especially when applied on the full kinetic chain and when strengthening hip and knee muscles.

So if you’re an active individual and you’ve recently noticed some pain developing around your patella, it could be runner’s knee, and the best way to prevent it from getting any worse is to see a physical therapist right away.

 

Physical Therapy for Chronic Ankle Sprains – Why You Should Consider It

 

The lower the location of a joint in the body, the more weight it’s responsible for supporting.  The ankles, then, have the tall task of supporting the entire body, and this is one of the main reasons they are injured so frequently.  Ankle sprains are the most common injury seen in the athletic population, and they have the power to throw a wrench in the spokes of any active person’s training.  They can also lead to a long-term cycle of re-injury, but all this can be avoided with a physical therapy program.

If you play sports, there’s a fairly strong chance you will sprain your ankle at some point.  Ankle sprains account for up to 45% of all sports injuries, and approximately 25,000 people sprain their ankle every day in the U.S.  The sport you play will also affect your odds, as the majority of sprains (41%) occur in basketball, followed by football and then soccer.  This mainly has to do with the movements that are common in each sport, and lots of jumping and cutting significantly increases the risk for ankle sprains.

Ankle sprains involve the ligaments of the ankle joint, which are flexible bands of tissue that connect one bone to another.  Ligaments are elastic and can be stretched to a certain length and then return to their original position, but they have a limit.  When any of the ligaments in the ankle is stretched beyond its maximum range of motion, damage will occur and result in an ankle sprain.  Symptoms will vary depending on the severity of the sprain, but usually include some—or all—of the following:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Tenderness
  • Stiffness
  • Instability

If you do experience an ankle sprain, the prognosis is usually quite good, and most people can get back to sports or training within about 4-6 weeks; however, the risk of a condition called chronic ankle instability (CAI) increases significantly after the first sprain.  This is why proper treatment from a physical therapist is necessary for a full recovery and to reduce your chances of experiencing another ankle sprain in the future.  Treatment programs are always individualized, but typically consist of RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation), stretching and strengthening exercises, and balance and functional training.

Physical therapy is recommended for both initial ankle sprains and for patients that continue to sprain their ankles repeatedly, and research has shown that it’s effective in both cases.  The effectiveness of physical therapy and exercises was supported in a recent review of studies that concluded as follows:

For the treatment of acute ankle sprain, there is strong evidence for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and early mobilization, with moderate evidence supporting exercise and manual therapy techniques, for pain, swelling and function. Exercise therapy and bracing are supported in the prevention of CAI.

While it might sound like a single ankle sprain means a long-term series of problems, this is more likely to be the case if the injury is not managed properly from the start.  This is why you should see a physical therapist first and fast after your first ankle sprain to reduce your chances of future injury.

 

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