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Sprained Ankles Treated With Chiropractic

Ankle injuries are both very common, and very costly. In the United States, about 2 million acute ankle sprains occur every year, and range in treatment cost from $300 to almost $1000. If not treated properly, ankle sprains can lead to immobility and accelerated arthritis.

There are three joints in the ankle which allows a lot of movement between the ankle and the foot. There are strong ligaments that support the ankle, but the ankle is most susceptible to injury when the foot is pointed. One of the most common reasons people sprain an ankle is due to fallen (collapsed) arches, which happens when you consistently place too much weight on the inner edge of the foot. Another concern with sprained ankles is the high likelihood of recurrence. In other words, the easiest way to get a sprain is if you’d had a previous sprain.

Common Treatments For Ankle Sprains

When people sprain an ankle, they usually consult their (allopathic) primary care physician, who will probably take some X-rays and examine the area. Most of the sprain does not result in any bone fracture, but will overstretch and/or tear the supportive ligaments. Typical treatment includes waiting two to four weeks for the pain and swelling to subside. Sometimes, the patient gets crutches or a boot to immobilize the joint and take the pressure off. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are often used and eventually, the patient goes to physical therapy for motion and rehab. Just because a patient does not experience pain does not necessarily mean they are fine. A patient with a past ankle sprain that was not treated well is going to have biomechanical problems, limited mobility in the foot and ankle joints, and some level of chronic pain that comes and goes.

Chiropractic For Ankle Sprains

The foot bones generally shift out of their normal alignment during an ankle sprain, and this is often not considered during the typical medical treatment described above. While most people have no idea that chiropractic treats anything but the spine, it can be used to treat many other areas of the body. Depending on the pain and severity of the sprain, chiropractic adjustments are effective at treating and preventing ankle pain.  At home, patients can draw the letters of the alphabet with the big toe or use a wobble board for stabilization exercises.

 

Always consult your chiropractor or primary care physician for all your health related advice. 

Story Credit: http://www.dynamicchiropractic.com/mpacms/dc/article.php?id=56624

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