subject: Three Things You Need to Know Before You Get Started in Ankle Physical Therapy [print this page] Three Things You Need to Know Before You Get Started in Ankle Physical Therapy
The ankle bears the load of the body, making it extremely vulnerable to injuries. There are a lot of likely causes for ankle troubles, from wearing unsuitable footwear to overuse of the ankle muscles to strain caused by accidents. You can lessen any swelling, deal with soreness, improve flexibility, and reinforce muscles with ankle physical therapy. If ankle physical therapy has sparked your interest, read on to find out more:
1.Rest is important. Once you have foot and ankle soreness you should take it easy at first and refrain from too much activity for a while, whether or not you're seeing a doctor or you're having ankle physical therapy done. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, you should also use anti-inflammatory medications such as naproxen and ibuprofen as part of your physical therapy for foot and ankle pain.
2.Use the RICE method. RICE is a contraction for resting and icing every four hours for twenty minutes during the first two days of your injury. Your RICE sessions should be followed by a light wrap, while keeping the ankle elevated to help prevent inflammation and speed recovery. Medical professionals recommend starting ankle physical therapy after the RICE period.
3.Rehabilitation should be done slowly and carefully. The ankle is the most frequently injured joint, owing to its role and structure, and your risk of re-injury can be as high as 40-70%. When doing ankle physical therapy you will most likely begin with non-weight bearing exercise, moving to resisted workouts, and then weight-bearing activities as your ankle gets better.
Your ankle physical therapy should include strengthening exercises, since sturdy calf, shin and ankle muscles help the ligaments to support the joint. Your therapist will also teach you exercises such as the foot flex for sprains that are too painful to stand on, and the calf stretch to improve flexing of the ankle joint and foot and to loosen the lower leg muscles.
