Ankle Injuries

When your ankle is injured, it’s difficult to accomplish many everyday tasks you may have taken for granted. With physical therapy services, you can regain the regular use of your ankle. Whether it was a slip and fall or the result of a sports injury, you can receive physical therapy to make your ankle more robust and more functional.

Osteoarthritis

For those with ankle injuries that are at least a year old or more, it is recommended that you see an orthopedic surgeon before starting rehab to see if surgery is an option. The goal of surgery is to correct any deformity of the ankle by removing parts of the joint. Once surgery is complete, you will be fitted for a post-surgical brace to ensure that the ankle heals properly. They will also let you know what future exercises and activities to avoid for a smooth recovery.

X-rays are used to see if your ankle has been broken or fractured, but an MRI scan may be used if the x-rays are unclear. If the bone has been fractured, you may need painkillers and crutches during recovery to maintain mobility.

Physical Therapy for Ankle Surgery

If your ankle has been broken, you can have surgery to fix the broken bones in your ankle. The surgeon will also take a few X-rays to ensure that any bones that have been injured can be adequately fixed. Depending on the injury and anatomy of your ankle, some patients have their ankle partially or wholly fused during surgery with metal implants.

Physical therapy at Body Wellness Center NJ provides a non-surgical procedure that significantly improves the function of an injured ankle through manual therapy and stretching exercises. Following an ankle injury, the ligaments can become stretched or torn. Physical therapy can improve the strength of these ligaments and the surrounding muscles to prevent recurring ankle injuries.

Fractures / Broken Ankles

If you have broken your ankle, it is vital that you see a doctor right away to evaluate whether or not surgery is necessary. Crutches and a cast will be required while your ankle heals. The cast will be removed after 1-2 weeks and you should be able to begin physical therapy.

If you have been diagnosed with an ankle fracture, then physical therapy is essential in helping you regain your ankle’s strength and proper range of motion. Your physical therapist will teach you exercises for stretching and strengthening your ankle and how to remain active while protecting yourself from re-injury.

Rehab for Sprained Ankles

If you have sprained your ankle, it is crucial to take some time to rest, ice, elevate and compress the painful area. This allows the swelling and inflammation to go down so your ankle has better blood circulation. Your physical therapist will then focus on exercises that help improve your range of motion and flexibility. You will also learn how to modify daily activities so you don’t push yourself too hard too quickly.

At Body Wellness Center NJ, you can receive ankle injury and surgery rehab for sprained ankles or any other type of ankle pain. Schedule an appointment today!