When is sprained ankle treatment necessary?

Are you experiencing pain, swelling, stiffness, bruising, tenderness, skin discoloration or an inability to bear weight on your ankle? This may all be signs that you are in need of immediate sprained ankle treatment. But fear not, the musculoskeletal experts at Whatcom Physical Therapy are here to guide you through the process.

In order to obtain a concrete diagnosis for your sprained ankle, it is essential to see a medical professional as soon as your symptoms arise. He or she will perform a physical exam to check for any torn ligaments and test the range of motion in your ankle joint. Diagnostic imaging tests such as an X-ray or MRI may also be used. Once your doctor determines that you have in fact sustained a sprained ankle, at-home treatments may be recommended to start your recovery.

At-home sprained ankle treatments

An ankle sprain is one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries, as it can be easily caused by a sudden twist or roll of your ankle from unexpected movement. If you are suffering from a sprained ankle, a physical therapist can work with you on a customized treatment plan that you can do from the comfort of your own home. 

This may include the following sprained ankle treatments:

• Rest — Resting your ankle, sometimes through the use of crutches as an aid, will help to take the weight off the source of injury and promote healing.
• Ice — Icing your ankle every 20 to 30 minutes for the first two days can help to reduce pain and swelling.
• Compression — Wrapping your ankle loosely through the use of elastic bandages will help to alleviate the swelling.
• Elevation — Elevating your injured foot to the height of your heart using pillows can help to ease pain and swelling.

Furthermore, a physical therapist can also work with you on sprained ankle treatments like muscle strengthening, gait training and range-of-motion exercises to help you find lasting relief.

Visit Whatcom Physical Therapy for sprained ankle treatment

At Whatcom Physical Therapy, we have locations in Blaine, Ferndale and Point Roberts, Washington. If you live in or around these physical therapy clinics, our world-class team can design a sprained ankle treatment plan to get you back on your feet. Contact us today for more information on our sprained ankle treatment options or to schedule an initial appointment. We look forward to helping you reclaim your quality of life from your condition.