Sprained Ankle – Physical Therapy in Farmingdale

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, every day there are 25,000 newly sprained ankles. Though ankle sprains are highly prevalent, they are no laughing matter. If you have been diagnosed with a sprained ankle, consider our sports injury rehabilitation in Farmingdale to get you back on your feet.

What causes a sprained ankle?

Sprained ankles are caused by rolling or twisting the ankle. This unnatural ankle motion stretches or tears important ligaments of the ankle. The ankle sprain can be categorized by the severity of ligament damage. Grade 1 sprains are the mildest, while grade 3 sprains are the most severe. Some most common causes of sprained ankles include:

• Sports injury

• High heels

• Aging ligaments

• Walking on uneven surfaces

• Forgetting to warm-up before a workout

Do I have a sprained ankle?

If you are concerned you may be suffering from a sprained ankle, look for the following symptoms:

• Swelling

• Tenderness

• Bruising

• Pain

• Discoloration

• Inability to put weight on your foot

• Stiffness

How do I treat a sprained ankle?

The best way to treat a sprained ankle is with our sports injury rehabilitation in Farmingdale. Some other treatment options include:

• Rest

• Ice

• Compression

• Elevation

Should I be walking on my sprained ankle?

There are a number of factors in determining whether or not you should walk on your sprained ankle. Such an important decision should be made by a member from our staff. The most important determining factor is the severity of your sprain. These are the most common prognosis depending on your ankle sprain diagnosis:

1. Grade 1: A grade 1 sprain is the mildest sprain. With a grade 1 sprain, it is not uncommon for a patient to be on their feet within days of their sprain. This sprain is the most common, and ligaments are not torn. Since the ankle is still stable, patients can walk soon after injury.

2. Grade 2: A grade 2 sprain is a moderate sprain. With limited movement and ankle instability, there is often a longer rest period before clearance to walk. Patients suffering from a grade 2 strain often have minor ligament tears.

3. Grade 3: A grade 3 sprain is a severe sprain. It is difficult to have ankle movement with this sprain, as many ligaments are completely torn. When suffering from a grade 3 sprain, patients are often advised to stay off of their ankle completely for weeks on end. The ankle is highly unstable and painful.

When walking with any recovering sprained ankle, it is best to wear an ankle brace or wrap for support. If left untreated, ankle sprains may cause muscle weakness, instability, or chronic pain.

Are you suffering from a sprained ankle?

Let our team at Farmingdale Physical Therapy East help you recover with our sports injury rehabilitation in Farmingdale. Take the first steps towards recovery today!