Ankle Pain in Bethesda

The ankle, despite being one of the pivotal support points of your body, is one of the most easily injured joints. Ankle pain is one of the most common complaints for athletes, but anyone can suffer pain or injury in their ankles. Depending on the severity of the injury, it can even temporarily hinder a person’s ability walk.

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What causes ankle pain?

There are easily dozens of diagnosis’s that can cause ankle pain and each one seems a little scarier than the last. Achilles tendonitis or tendon rupture can cause severe ankle pain and impede one’s ability to walk. Bone spurs can develop and cause severe pain. A broken ankle or broken foot can leave you on crutches or in a wheelchair for weeks while it heals.

The most common cause of ankle pain is the basic ankle sprain. This occurs when the ankle is forced to turn in an odd direction. This is often referred to as ‘rolling’ your ankle and can happen at any time.

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Can I treat an ankle sprain at home?

In theory, yes, you can practice self care and avoid a visit to the doctor, but this isn’t always the best idea. There is always the possibility that your ankle pain isn’t caused by something as simple as a sprain. If that is the case, it needs to be addressed by a physician.

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What can physical therapy do for my ankle pain?

A visit to the physical therapist can be one of the best choices you make for the treatment of ankle pain. He or she will first examine your ankle, using methods up to and including x-rays and MRIs if necessary, to determine the cause of the pain. From there, the doctor will be able to offer a diagnoses and a course of treatment.

The most common treatments revolve around exercise. Starting with non-load bearing exercises, your physical therapist will create an exercise regimen based on the severity of your injury and your current fitness level. These exercises will be designed not only to strengthen your injured ankle, but your body as a whole.

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Can a visit to the chiropractor do anything for my ankle pain?

Of course! An initial visit to your local chiropractor will be similar to a visit to a physical therapist. The chiropractor will determine, as best as possible, what is causing your ankle pain and plan a treatment regimen to help improve it.

This may include the use of electrical muscle stimulation and hydrotherapy as well as the use of a number of carefully calibrated stretches and exercises designed to strengthen the injured ligaments.

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Things to Remember

All ankle injuries are not created equal and some may take longer to heal than others. A common ankle sprain will normally be healed within 4-6 weeks, depending on the healing capabilities of the person sporting the injury.

If you are experiencing consistent ankle pain, and are having trouble with your mobility due to this pain, don’t you think it’s time to call your local chiropractor and set up an appointment?