For many athletes, the ankle can be a particularly difficult area of the body to manage. With constant and repetitive actions like sprinting, sharp cuts, or jumping, your ankles will handle a lot of stress while you are on your feet. It is essential to take precautionary steps to avoid hurting your ankle, as an ankle injury can leave you on the sidelines for weeks. If you have experienced an ankle injury, contact the team at H&D Physical Therapy in Brooklyn for help. 

Types of Ankle Injuries

There are many different types of ankle injuries that can occur, ranging from mild to severe. The most common ankle injury is a sprained ankle, which occurs when the ligaments that support the joint are stretched or torn. This type of injury is often caused by rolling or twisting the ankle and can be quite painful. Symptoms of an ankle sprain are:

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  • Swelling
  • Inability to walk or put pressure on the affected ankle 
  • Bruising
  • Stiffness
  • Pain/tenderness 
  • A popping sensation when moving the foot or ankle

More severe ankle injuries include fractures, which can occur if the ankle is hit hard enough or twisted in the wrong way. These types of injuries usually require medical attention and can take several weeks or months to heal properly. The most serious of all ankle injuries is the high ankle sprain. This type of sprain is much less common but is much more severe. Traumatic ankle sprains can take as long as 6-8 weeks to fully recover. 

Other less common ankle injuries include tendinitis, bursitis, and stress fractures. Tendinitis is inflammation of the tendons that connect the muscles to the bone. Bursitis is inflammation of the tiny, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints. Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone that occur from repetitive stress or impact. These types of injuries can be treated with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medications. However, if the pain does not improve, it is crucial to see a doctor for further treatment.

Avoiding Injuries

Ankle injuries can be prevented by wearing proper footwear and using caution when participating in activities that put stress on the joint. For example, people who play sports such as tennis or basketball should wear shoes that provide good support and have a low risk of rolling over. 

Also, it is vital to warm up properly before participating in any physical activity. This helps to loosen the muscles and tendons around the ankle joint, which can reduce the risk of injury. If you do experience an ankle injury, it is important to see a doctor so that you can receive the proper treatment.

Treating Ankle Injuries

For mild ankle sprains and injuries, you will need to ice the area and rest. The muscle should be able to recover on its own as long as there is no unnecessary stress while you are recovering. For more severe ankle injuries, surgery may be required in order to repair the damaged tendon. Regardless of the severity of your injury, the team at H&D Physical Therapy in Brooklyn will help you recover. 

Contact Us For Physical Therapy in Brooklyn

When you visit H&D Physical Therapy, you are guaranteed to be treated by a trained medical professional. If you have experienced an ankle injury of any kind, contact our team for treatment. Our staff will evaluate your damage and create a personalized treatment plan to help you reach your recovery goals. Contact us today for Physical therapy in Brooklyn with H&D.