What to do after an ankle sprain

Foot and Ankle pain are very common complains seen by Physiotherapists in Parramatta.

The ankle is one of the most commonly injured joint after the knee. The foot and ankle joints are most commonly seen injured in games such as rugby, soccer, netball, cricket and basketball. Or any sport which requires sudden change in direction.

Other reasons for foot and ankle issues can include the use of inappropriate footwear, sudden change in exercise levels or the type of exercise.

Foot and Ankle pain symptoms.

• Sudden onset of ankle pain.
• Can be localized sharp pain.
• Dull ache in the foot region.
• Can be constant pain or intermittent pain.
• Pain with weight bearing.
• Pain which develops after a while of weight bearing.

Ankle sprains symptoms.

• Rolling the ankle while playing sports or walking.
• Hearing a pop or a crack.
• Localized swelling & tenderness.
• Bruising
• Inability to walk normally due to pain.

Foot pain major causes.

• Plantar Fasciitis: You will feel the pain in the heel and the arch of the foot. The pain during the day is at his worst in the morning when you get out of bed. During the day it normally lessen a bit, but it’s still there.
• Impingement: If you feel a shooting, tingling or burning sensation in the inner side and sometimes even in the calf. This may be caused by a pinched or trapped nerve.
• Bunion: A lump found below the big toe joint, this can be very painful and sometimes it get swollen and red.
• Tendonitis: An inflammation of one of the tendons.
• Fracture: A fracture of one of the little foot bones. A fracture in the foot normally heals on its own, with advise and treatments from the Physiotherapist it could speed up the process.

Ankle pain major causes.

• Ankle sprains: A stretch or tear in the ligament that hold your ankle bones and joints together. This typically happens when you accidentally twist or turn your          ankle in an awkward way.
• Fracture: An ankle fracture occurs when there is a break in one or more of the bones. All suspected fractures need to be accurately diagnosed and professionally managed by your health professional to avoid long-term foot and ankle issues.
• Tendinopathy: Your muscles or tendons can become injured or inflamed as a result of overuse or trauma. The inflammation is called tendinitis. They can also tear,  completely rupture, or sub lux out of place.
• Arthritis: Your ankle pain and dysfunction can also be caused by degenerative conditions such as ankle osteoarthritis. While arthritis is normally a chronic deterioration of your ankle joint, it is important to slow the progression of ankle arthritis.

Foot and Ankle pain treatments.

Physiotherapists are trained specialists when it comes to assessing and treating foot and ankle pain. Physiotherapists will conduct an individualized assessment to find out the exact cause of your symptoms before treatment is commenced.

Treatment can include:

• A thorough examination & accurate diagnosis of your injury.
• Anti-inflammatory advice.
• Range of motion exercises.
• Strength work.
• Proprioceptive exercises.
• Strapping – if required.

For more information on how we can further assist you, please call our clinic number on 0479 080 800  or send us an email on [email protected].

Our Physiotherapists are Medicare, NDIS, DVA and Work Cover approved, specializing in injury management and rehabilitation to get you back to full function.