Ankle Twist?
1. What is a twisted ankle?
A twisted ankle, ankle twist, rolled ankle or ankle sprain/strain is one of the most frequent types of injury seen by practitioners. The ankle joint, which connects the foot with the lower leg, is injured often when an unnatural twisting motion occurs to the foot when it is planted awkwardly. This usually occurs when the ground is uneven or when an unusual amount of force is applied to the joint. Such injuries happen during athletic events, while running or walking or even doing something as simple as getting out of bed. There are various ligaments in the ankle which can be twisted or sprained, however the most common is the one located on the outside of the ankle.
2. What makes up the ankle joint?
The ankle joint is comprised of three bones which include the tibia, fibula, and talus. The tibia is a large leg bone (on the inside of the leg) that bears most of the body’s weight. The fibula is the smaller leg bone (on the outside of the leg). Both the tibia and fibula attach to the talus (the top bone of the foot). The three bones together create the ankle joint. Tendons and ligaments cover these three bones. On the outside of the ankle you find the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL). On the inside of the ankle is the deltoid ligament. Most ankle sprains involve the outside ligament, ATFL.
3. What are the signs and symptoms of a twisted ankle?
Swelling, Pain, Redness, Warmth, Trouble Walking & Stiffness
4. What treatments are available for a twisted ankle?
Despite common medical practice, treatment of ankle sprains should not be limited to rest and ice as this leads to what is known as chronic ankle instability, a cause of potentially debilitating problems in the future. Dr. Luciano Di Loreto can provide treatment (individualized rehabilitative exercises) for a twisted ankle as it is specific to each individual case. Furthermore, modalities such as ultrasound, interferential current, TENS, Graston, laser therapy and soft tissue therapy can be used to assist in healing the ankle. Dr. Luciano Di Loreto believes that acute ankle injuries need to be addressed immediately both passively (modalities and soft tissue work) and actively (exercises). Sometimes, if treatment does not commence immediately, the individual may experience stiffness and tightness in their ankle joint. It is common to see acute ankle injuries become chronic ankle injuries, if gone untreated.
What are my treatment options for an Ankle Twist?
Chiropractic Options Offered: Dr. Luciano Di Loreto (Chiropractor) and his team of health therapists can help you rehabilitate your muscles after an ankle/leg injury via both active exercises as well as passive treatments. Our extensive passive treatments include laser therapy (healing), ultrasound (healing), electrotherapy (pain), hot/cold therapy and soft tissue therapy. Registered massage therapy, physical therapy, foot care and nutrition may also be incorporated as part of plan of management. Treatments are usually booked two to three times per week for six to eight weeks. Full recovery involves varies.
Fit for Life Wellness & Rehabilitation Centre is a health clinic located in Vaughan, Ontario, just north of Major Mackenzie on Weston Road (Located in the Vellore Medical Centre & Walk In Clinic). If you have questions in regards to ankle twists, please fill out the form and we will get right back to you promptly with information on your conditions/concerns.
