Can a Chiropractor Help a Sprained Ankle?

A sprained ankle can cause considerable discomfort and may take time to heal. To speed up recovery, consider chiropractic treatment.

Can a chiropractor help a sprained ankle? Chiropractics are skilled at aligning bones and joints, which can help lessen pain and swelling around an injury. They can also show you exercises and stretches to improve your range of motion and flexibility—critical factors in helping your ankle heal properly.

Understanding the Ankle’s Anatomy

The ankle is a complex joint comprising three prominent bones: the tibia, fibula, and talus. The tibia and fibula are found in the lower leg, and the talus sits above the heel bone (calcaneus). Ligaments and tendons hold these bones together, allowing the ankle to move in different directions.

As a weight-bearing joint, the ankle supports your body when standing, walking, or running. The bones and the unsung heroes, ligaments, and tendons work together to provide stability and allow a broad range of motion.

Tendons attach leg muscles to ankle bones, helping move the ankle and foot. The calf muscle (gastrocnemius) is the largest, connecting to the heel bone. Other muscles connect to the ankle, such as the tibialis anterior and peroneus longus.

A sprained ankle happens when the ligaments linking the bones in the ankle are pulled or torn, often from a fall, twist, or impact. Depending on the extent of ligament damage, sprains can range from mild to severe.

Types of Ankle Sprains

The most frequently seen ankle sprain is the inversion sprain, which occurs when the foot turns inward. This sprain can harm the ligaments on the outside of the ankle.

The eversion sprain is less joint and happens when the foot turns outward, potentially damaging the ligaments inside the ankle.

There are also two other sprains: the high ankle sprain and the syndesmotic sprain. A high ankle sprain is more severe and affects the ligaments connecting the two bones in the lower leg. In contrast, a syndesmotic sprain damages the ligaments that hold these two bones together at the knee joint.

Chiropractic Care for Ankle Sprains

Chiropractic care can effectively treat ankle sprains. A chiropractor can help lessen pain and swelling while improving your range of motion and overall function. Additionally, chiropractic treatment may help prevent future ankle injuries.

Chiropractic Treatments for Sprained Ankles

One of the most effective treatments for a sprained ankle is joint manipulation. This technique helps mobilize the joint, relieve pain, and increase flexibility and blood flow.

Electrical stimulation is another effective treatment. This therapy uses electrical signals to activate the muscles and ligaments near the ankle joint, which can help reduce pain and inflammation, support recovery, and enhance range of motion.

Finally, massage is also beneficial for sprained ankles. It helps increase blood flow to the area, reduces pain and swelling, and improves flexibility.

Ensure a Proper Recovery from a Sprained Ankle with Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic treatment is an effective method for recovering from an ankle sprain. If the ankle ligaments are stretched or torn, it can cause pain, swelling, and weakness. Chiropractic care can help return movement to normal and reduce pain. Additionally, it can prevent future injuries by realigning the bones and joints.

Conclusion

Many people discover that chiropractic care can help lessen the pain and swelling of a sprained ankle and improve movement and flexibility. Suppose you’re thinking about chiropractic treatment for a sprained ankle. In that case, it’s essential to consult a qualified expert to see if this treatment is proper for you.