The Pain of Ankle Sprains: How Chiropractic Can Help
By Sara Butler
Ankle sprains are never convenient. They're incredibly painful and make getting around difficult. Did you know that a sprained ankle is a condition the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic can treat? Here's how a chiropractor assesses an ankle sprain, then goes about treating it to help you get back on both feet.
The Degrees of Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are injuries that involve the tearing or stretching of the ligaments that help to support the ankle joint. In this particular joint, you can injure either side of it, on the inside or outside. No matter where you sprain it, there are three degrees chiropractors use to grade ankle sprains to help them understand how to treat it. They are:
- First-degree ankle sprain - This degree of sprain means that the ligaments were merely stretched instead of being torn. You know you have a first-degree sprain if you experience discomfort in the joint while jogging, jumping, or even walking. Swelling and pain are normally minimal and the joint may be less stable than normal.
- Second-degree ankle sprain - This degree of sprain is the most common type for which chiropractors see patients. The ligament is torn at least partially, which leads to symptoms of discomfort, making walking difficult and the joint difficult to use or put weight on.
- Third-degree ankle sprain - This degree is the most serious and indicates that the ligament is fully torn. Swelling and pain will be severe and the joint will be very unstable and difficult to use.
How Chiropractic Can Help
Your ankles play a vital role in your ability to move your body freely. When you've injured an ankle, it can be incredibly frustrating and painful, but thankfully the chiropractors at The Joint have your back.
The chiropractors at The Joint can help with your ankle sprain by identifying the degree, then working with you to create a treatment plan to address it. The most common treatments applied include:
- Chiropractic adjustments - Your spine isn't the only thing that can be adjusted by chiropractors. Ankle sprains can cause joint restrictions and dysfunctions that can help it to heal faster.
- Hot/cold therapy - The chiropractors may advise you to alternately apply ice or heat to the impacted joint to help control swelling and pain.
- Exercises - As part of the healing process, your ankle will require strengthening to help you get its full use back. The chiropractor can give you exercises to help target the joint to make it stronger and aid in healing.
If you sprain your ankle, then make sure to get it checked out by the chiropractors at The Joint.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Sacramento, Calif.