How Common Are Ankle Injuries?
Among the body's major joints, the ankle is the most frequently injured. In
hospital emergency rooms, ankle ligament sprains are the most commonly seen
injury to muscles or bones. Participation in sports/aerobics can sometimes lead
to ankle sprain (for example, up to 40% of all basketball injuries involve the
ankle).
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What Causes Ankle Injuries?
An acute ankle injury generally results from a sudden turning outward of the
foot while supporting the body's weight, or an external force hitting the body
from the side. The quick, extreme pressure placed upon the ligaments around the
ankle can cause them to tear. A chronic ankle injury often develops over a long
period of time, and can occur if the foot's posture is unstable. This weakens
the ligaments surrounding the ankle joint, making them more likely to tear.
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What Can Dr. Lommell Do To Help Me
Feel Better?
Much will depend on the severity of the injury, how quickly the injury is
attended to, and the results of the examination. The treatment you do receive
will generally focus on relieving pain and swelling (if any), restoring full
range of motion (ROM), and strengthening the joint to help prevent a recurrence
of the injury. The success of Dr. Lommell's treatment plan will
largely depend on how closely you follow his instructions, and how actively
involved you become in your recovery program.
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As My Ankle Heals, What Can I Do To Prevent Reinjury?
In most cases, patient involvement should begin during the healing process.
Your doctor may prescribe spinal/pelvic stabilizers (also called "foot
orthotics") to help normalize foot and ankle motion, stabilize the joint,
and protect your feet from what is known as heel-strike shock: That shock is the
force wave which travels through your body every time your foot hits the ground.
If not properly absorbed, heel-strike shock can adversely affect the treatments
you receive, or can considerably slow your recovery. Because it is very
important to wear your stabilizers all day long, and because most people wear at
least two styles of shoes each day, your healthcare professional may decide that
a stabilizer Combo (two pairs) would be best for you. Check with Dr. Lommell or
elsewhere on this website for more specific details about stabilizers.
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What Kind of Exercise Should I Be Doing?
Dr. Dan can best determine what rehabilitative exercise
would be suitable for your condition. Exercise and balance (proprioception) is encouraged for ankle sprains
to promote healing and strengthening of affected structures. An exercise program
can also lessen the risk and severity of reinjury. Therapeutic exercise is often
introduced very early in the healing process, and we have many different
programs available depending on the specific type of sprain/strain you received,
as well as the sport(s) you partake in. Ask Dr. Lommell if stabilizers or an exercise system would help your
ankle injury.
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