Whether you’re a dedicated athlete, a weekend warrior, or just going about your daily routine, a slight misstep, trip, or fall can lead to a debilitating and painful ankle injury. In the hustle and bustle of today’s society, it is extremely common for ankle injuries to persist. While most minor ankle injuries recover quickly with traditional rest, ice compression, and elevation (RICE) methods, sports chiropractors can help injured ankles realign with the spinal column, preventing any further pain or injury that may linger.
Here, we will examine how ankle injuries are assessed, chiropractic treatment methods to accelerate healing, and the benefits of rehabilitative care after an injury.
Understanding Ankle Injuries
Ankle injuries can range from minor sprains or twists to severe fractures. Sprains occur when ligaments in the ankle joint are stretched or torn out of their natural form, whereas fractures present as breaks in one or more bones in the ankle.
Ankle sprains are typically characterized by pain, tenderness, and a limited range of motion. As ligaments in the ankle twist and stretch abnormally, inflammation and swelling may occur, making it difficult to rotate or flex your foot and ankle. You may even hear or feel a popping sensation in severe cases due to a ligament tear or dislocation.
Typically occurring during sports or physical activity, ankle injuries are extremely common, affecting an estimated 2 million people annually. While it may take some time to recover from an injury’s initial pain and swelling, chiropractors are prepared to assist with post-healing recovery and realignment. In cases where an ankle injury results in a fracture or break, it is usually required for patients to visit a podiatrist for x-rays and to assess whether or not surgical intervention is required. If surgery is required, you may need to get approval from your medical team before scheduling any rehabilitative chiropractic treatment.
The Benefits of Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is a holistic and non-invasive approach to addressing complications of ankle injuries as well as assist with the regular recovery process. By addressing the root causes of the problem, chiropractors address imbalances that may arise during the healing process. In cases where ankle injuries are apparent in only one ankle, it is extremely common for patients to limp and hobble, increasing bodily stress on the musculoskeletal system as a whole.
Patients with ankle injuries often may overcompensate for their injury, shifting their weight to their opposite, uninjured ankle. This shift in weight can cause imbalances such as spinal shifting, pelvic rotation, or other muscular disproportion. Over time, these imbalances can lead to chronic pain, instability, and limited range of motion as the spine becomes affected by asymmetrical weight-bearing. Chiropractic techniques can help to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and improve blood flow to an injured ankle, as well as address any early onset imbalances for optimal long-term function and healing acceleration.
The Role of Chiropractors in Ankle Injury Recovery
As musculoskeletal experts, chiropractors are uniquely qualified to diagnose, treat, and administer much-needed adjustments to restore the body’s natural positioning for long-term pain relief and recovery. Once the initial ankle injuries are assessed and diagnosed, chiropractic care can be an extremely valuable addition to your recovery and rehabilitation plans.
Chiropractors are trained to identify and correct misalignments in the spine and other joints, including those in the ankles. Chiropractors can help with the rehabilitation process through these methods:
Chiropractic Adjustments: Using gentle manipulations, chiropractors make small, precise adjustments to realign and restore function in the ankle joints. Your chiropractor’s gentle tugs and pulls often produce small pops as joint pressure and tension are released. These adjustments can help reduce inflammation and pain in the ankle joints, allowing faster healing and relief.
Manual Therapy: For patients requiring more hands-on care, chiropractors may employ manual therapy techniques like massage and soft tissue mobilization to alleviate muscle tension, reduce pain, and enhance blood flow to injured areas. In cases where stiff ankle joints restrict the range of motion, chiropractors can utilize joint mobilization to restore flexibility and function.
Therapeutic Exercises: In conjunction with chiropractic techniques and therapies, chiropractors may prescribe specific exercises to strengthen the muscles around the ankle joint, improving stability and preventing future injuries.
When Should You Seek Chiropractic Care?
If you have sustained an ankle injury, you must seek medical attention to rule out any serious conditions, such as breaks or dislocations. If surgery is required, you may need to wait for post-surgical approval for rehabilitation. Once the injury has been assessed and cleared for chiropractic treatment, you may begin to schedule appointments with your chiropractor as a supplement to your overall recovery and rehabilitation plans.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, chiropractic care may be beneficial to you:
Acute Ankle Pain: Typically occurring gradually or after an injury, acute ankle pain is typically treatable using traditional methods, therapies, and rehabilitation efforts.
Chronic Ankle Pain: When ankle pain begins to last for weeks, months, or even years, it becomes a chronic condition. Chronic ankle pain is often recurrent, despite efforts to recover using traditional methods.
Recurring Injury: Balance issues and spinal misalignments can often result in frequent ankle sprains and reinjury.
Ankle Instability: Instability in the ankle joints can lead to frequent sprains and chronic pain.
Limited Range of Motion: If an injured ankle is not treated promptly, it may stiffen over time and limit range of motion. Chiropractic care can help to improve flexibility and function.
Accelerate Your Healing With Governor’s Park Chiropractic
Chiropractic care offers a natural, holistic, and all-encompassing approach to treating ankle injuries. Using targeted methods to address pain and dysfunction, Governor’s Park Chiropractic helps patients heal faster and return to doing what they love. Whether you are sustaining a chronic ankle injury or are seeking alternative forms of rehabilitation for long-lasting recovery, our full-service chiropractic approaches ensure that all of our patients receive the care that they deserve.
If you are suffering from an ankle injury, visit Governor’s Park Chiropractic at any of our locations in Denver, Wheat Ridge, and Lone Tree. For more information, visit our website to schedule an appointment or call us at (720) 743-3915.
Governor's Park Chiropractic is the Colorado chiropractor team dedicated to helping individuals get out of pain and achieve better health. Offering a range of services and treatment options to meet the specific needs of each patient.