How To Treat And Prevent A Sprained Ankle

Exercises For Balance And Stability

An ankle sprain can lead to a destabilization of the ankle, especially if patients have a prior history of ankle injuries. After the pain and swelling have gone down enough to allow movement, part of recovery will involve exercises for balance and stability. The doctor will typically give a patient a range of different exercises that help restore the range of motion, flexibility, stability, and strength of their ankle.

Patients should make sure not to take on too much too fast, as this can lead to a recurrence of the injury. Individuals with more moderate to severe injuries may be referred to a physical therapist to help with treatment. It is vital to retrain ankle muscles to work together after they have healed, as this is what will help patients regain their stability and balance. Typical exercises challenge an individual's ability to balance and stabilize. They may be asked to stand on one leg or do other balance exercises.

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Ligament Surgery

Ligament surgery is not a common treatment for sprained ankles. Doctors typically only recommend surgery when a patient’s sprained ankle does not heal after physical therapy and strengthening exercises or it remains fairly unstable. There are a couple of goals with ligament surgery. Some patients will receive surgery to repair the affected ligament when it does not heal. Other individuals will have reconstructive surgery on their torn ligament. In this surgery, the doctor will use tissue from a tendon or ligament nearby to reconstruct the injured one. Most patients are able to go home the same day of their surgery, though they will have a fair amount of recovery to do at home.

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