Ankle Physical TherapyPhysical Therapy in Fort Collins, Windsor & Surrounding Cities

Physical Therapy for Ankle 

Ankle injuries are very common and are often the result of some sort of sudden accident like a fall. Ankle pain can have a serious negative affect on a patient's ability to function and can make even walking and standing very painful. Treatment from a physical therapist can help a patient return to their normal function and live life without pain. It can improve balance and range of motion while also preventing the possibility of reinjury and help patients avoid surgery.

Common Causes of Ankle Pain 

In athletes, ankle sprains can happen with an awkward landing or twisting, leading to damage to the ligaments that hold the ankle joint together. In some people, this can happen repeatedly over time leading to recurrent injury, and chronic ankle instability. Arthritis is another common cause of ankle pain. When the cartilage in the ankle joint breaks down, the bones in your ankle can grind against one another and cause severe discomfort and difficulty walking or standing. Another potential cause of ankle discomfort is tendonitis which occurs when someone is very active or strains their muscles too hard due to any sort of activity. This can cause inflammation and swelling. Ankle injuries are also very common in individuals who play sports or are very active. Activities like walking or running can cause fractures when accompanied by a fall, or stress fractures with repetitive overuse and overtraining. 

Stretches for Ankle Discomfort 

While rest is important for recovering from any injury, it is also important to maintain healing movements in order to prevent any loss of function or mobility. Doing exercises and stretches with an ankle condition can help reduce pain and speed up the recovery process. Improving ankle mobility is an excellent way to maintain range of motion. Additionally, calf stretches and Achilles tendon stretches, which can be done with a towel or a band can be very helpful.

When to See a Physical Therapist

While ankle injuries are very common, they are one of the most undertreated orthopedic conditions. If you sprain your ankle, for example, you may feel that you can effectively self-treat with some ice and rest. Although this may be true in some cases, it is best to see a physical therapist to make sure that your injuries don’t have a negative impact on your long term foot and ankle health! The physical therapists at Colorado in Motion are ready and willing to help address your ankle pain, so visit us at one of our locations in Fort Collins, Windsor, or other surrounding cities!