Ankle Fracture
Have you recently suffered a fractured ankle? Are you in your post surgical rehabilitation phase? Come to one of our clinics located at Mississauga and Etobicoke and get expert therapy
What is an Ankle Fracture?
An ankle fracture is a break in one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint. This can occur due to trauma, such as a fall or twist, or as a result of a repetitive stress injury. Some common symptoms of an ankle fracture include:
- Pain: Post ankle fractures are usually accompanied by pain that may be severe and localized to the ankle joint.
- Swelling: The ankle may become swollen and tender to the touch, and the skin around the ankle may be discolored.
- Bruising: Bruising may be visible around the ankle joint, and the affected area may feel warm to the touch.
- Inability to bear weight: An ankle fracture can make it difficult or impossible to bear weight on the affected foot.
- Deformity: In some cases, an ankle fracture can cause the ankle joint to become deformed or misaligned, which can be visible to the naked eye.
If you suspect that you have an ankle fracture, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. Ankle fractures can be serious injuries that require prompt treatment to prevent further complications, such as chronic pain or arthritis. Treatment for ankle fractures includes immobilization with a cast or brace, and physiotherapy to help restore strength and range of motion to the ankle joint.
What are the causes of Ankle Fracture?
Ankle fractures can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Trauma: One of the most common causes of ankle fractures is trauma, such as a fall, sports injury, or motor vehicle accident. These types of injuries can cause the bones in the ankle joint to break or become displaced.
- Repetitive Stress: In some cases, ankle fractures can be caused by repetitive stress on the ankle joint, such as in athletes who participate in high-impact sports like basketball or gymnastics.
- Osteoporosis: Weakening of the bones due to conditions like osteoporosis can increase the risk of ankle fractures.
- Overuse: Overuse of the ankle joint, such as in athletes who train excessively or people who have jobs that require long periods of standing or walking, can increase the risk of ankle fractures.
- Poor Footwear: Wearing shoes that do not provide proper support or that fit poorly can increase the risk of ankle fractures, particularly in people who engage in high-impact activities.
- Ankle Sprains: People who have previously sprained their ankle are at a higher risk of ankle fractures, particularly if the ankle did not heal properly or if the sprain was severe.
What is the role of Physiotherapy in treating Ankle Fractures?
Physiotherapy plays an important role in the treatment and recovery of ankle fractures. Here are some ways that physiotherapy can help:
- Reduce Pain and Swelling: After an ankle fracture, physiotherapy can help to reduce pain and swelling through different modalities such as ice or heat therapy, electrical stimulation, and manual therapy techniques.
- Improve Range of Motion: Ankle fractures can cause stiffness and limited range of motion in the ankle joint. Physiotherapy can help to restore range of motion through exercises and stretches that focus on ankle mobility.
- Strengthen Muscles: Following an ankle fracture, the muscles around the ankle joint can become weak and atrophied. Physiotherapy can help to rebuild strength and improve balance through targeted exercises and functional activities.
- Improve Walking and Balance: Physiotherapy can help to improve gait and balance after an ankle fracture through exercises that focus on walking mechanics and balance training.
- Prevent Re-injury: Physiotherapy can also help to prevent future ankle injuries by addressing any underlying imbalances or weaknesses in the ankle and foot, and providing education on proper footwear and injury prevention strategies.
- Rehabilitation After Surgery: In cases where surgery is required to repair an ankle fracture, physiotherapy facilitates the rehabilitation process, by providing guidance on weight-bearing status, and gradually increasing the intensity and complexity of exercises as the ankle heals.
Our trained expert Physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopath, Acupuncturist are the first line of effective treatment of Ankle Pain by helping to reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent further injury to your foot. At Alleviate Physiotherapy, our goal is to manage our clients’ pain symptoms and help them recover a full range of motion with the help of our trained therapists.
Recovering from a surgically repaired ankle? Come find the perfect rehabilitation care for your ankles with our Top Rated Therapists that are trained to help you recover faster. Check out our operating hours at our locations.
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