Whether you’re an athlete who twisted your ankle during a game or you simply misstepped while walking, the pain and inconvenience of an ankle sprain can be annoying and frustrating, to say the least.
While many people are familiar with traditional treatments for ankle sprains, such as ice and rest, fewer may be aware of the potential benefits of chiropractic care in managing and recovering from this injury. So, in this article, we take a closer look at how your Montrose chiropractor can help you bounce back!
What Is the Best Treatment for Ankle Sprain?
The most effective treatment for an ankle sprain typically involves a multi-faceted approach, combining various strategies to reduce pain, promote healing, and restore function. With that in mind, here are some key components of ankle sprain treatment:
Rest and Protection
Immediately after an ankle sprain occurs, it’s crucial to rest the affected joint and protect it from further injury. This often involves:
- Avoiding putting weight on the injured ankle
- Using crutches or a walking boot if necessary
- Elevating the ankle to reduce swelling
The duration of this rest period depends on the severity of the sprain but usually lasts for a few days to a week.
Ice and Compression
Applying ice to the injured ankle helps reduce pain and swelling. It’s most effective when done immediately after the injury and continued for the first 48-72 hours. Consider applying ice for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day. And don’t forget to place a towel between the ice pack and your skin!
Additionally, compression, often in the form of an elastic bandage, can also help control swelling and provide support to the injured area. However, when using a compression bandage, be sure not to wrap too tightly.
Gentle Movement and Exercise
Once the initial pain and swelling have subsided, gentle exercises can help improve flexibility and strength in the ankle. These may include:
- Range of motion exercises, such as ankle circles
- Stretching exercises for the calf muscles
- Gradual weight-bearing activities as tolerated
It’s important to progress slowly and avoid activities that cause pain.
Medication
Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Sometimes, a doctor may prescribe stronger pain medication or anti-inflammatory drugs. However, it’s worth noting that these medications should only be used in the short term. In fact, many over-the-counter pain medications, such as NSAIDs, when used longer than 10-14 days, can result in undesirable gastrointestinal side effects.
Chiropractic Care
While not always the first treatment that comes to mind for ankle sprains, chiropractic care can play a valuable role in the healing process.
Chiropractors are experts in joint manipulation, a technique that can be applied not just to the spine but also to other joints in the body, including the ankle. This treatment can improve joint mobility, reduce pain and stiffness, and promote better healing by ensuring proper joint alignment.
Additionally, your Montrose chiropractor will always perform a thorough assessment, ensuring your treatment plan is tailored specifically to you and your needs.
Ready to experience the power of chiropractic care? With the New Life Chiropractic team, you know you’re in good hands. Book your appointment with us today!
