Physical Therapy for Ankle Pain Relief

Did you know that around 25 in every 1000 people will report rolling or spraining their ankle this year? Luckily around only 5 of those patients will go to the emergency room due to their injuries. Interestingly enough, the majority of these injuries did not take place on a sports field but at work, in the back yard or inside the house. Speaking from personal experience, ankles only become easier to roll and injure after suffering from an initial ankle sprain. 

If you are reading this, and are looking for ankle pain relief please keep reading to see how Physical Therapy can help you! 

• Ankle Sprains: Commonly called "rolling" an ankle, ankle sprains stress the ligaments that stabilize the ankle. Overly stretched ligaments can lead to ankle instability, ankle pain and tendonitis. 
  • SYMPTOMS: Sharp ankle pain, usually acute in nature, the foot turns in or out quickly and uncontrollably, associated with a loud pop, bruising/ swelling/ redness, difficulty weight bearing over the involved side, tenderness to touch and decreased range of motion.       
• Tendonitis:  The typical muscles associated with ankle tendonitis are: Achilles/ Gastrocnemius, Peroneal Group, or Tibialis Posterior/Anterior. These injuries are usually overuse in nature, and often are associated calf tightness. The muscles are working hard: to overcome ankle joint motion restrictions OR stabilize the ankle and foot due to laxity.
  • SYMPTOMS: Dull/achy ankle pain that gets worse with repeated motions, decreased strength/power/endurance of lower leg muscles, restricted ankle/foot motions, sensation of pressure in the lower leg.     
• Shin Splints: Shin Splints is more of a blanket term, covering several possible sources of pain. The most common cause of shin pain is calf tightness, and associated tendonitis. In some case, shin splints can be caused by stress fracturing of the tibia bone requiring more invasive treatment in addition to physical therapy. Shin splints are most common in our running/ walking athletes.  
  • SYMPTOMS: Ankle pain with active dorsiflexion (bringing toes upward), pressure in the front the shin, burning in the front of the shin, decreased ankle range of motion, possible numbness/tingling in the foot, worse with activity.  
• Plantar Fasciitis: Commonly associated with heel pain caused by abnormal foot posturing (flat feet or high arches). Pain is more chronic in nature; however, the plantar fascia can be injured by acute trauma (sports related injuries). Plantar fasciitis is very common is people that stand for prolonged time, or walking excessively. 
  • SYMPTOMS: Heel and arch pain, worst in the morning with "the first step of the day," can cause numbness/ tingling into the toes, difficulty weight bearing, range of motion deficits (worst with picking up toes). 
• Arthritis: Inflammation in one or more joints in the ankle and foot that leads to pain and joint stiffness. Arthritis is more chronic and is normal for older individuals; however, arthritis can arise prematurely due to traumatic injury (ankle sprains and fracture).
  • SYMPTOMS: Generalized achiness/soreness, swelling, tenderness to touch, redness, worse with prolonged activity, worse in the morning, decreased ankle/ foot ROM, ankle pain with weight bearing. 
• Surgery:  Typically surgery is the last resort for most Orthopedic Practitioners. We typically see: total ankle replacement, lateral/medial ankle ligament repair and stabilization, plantar fascia release, post surgical care for various fractures, and Achilles tendon repair.  

Based on physical therapy examination findings, your physical therapist will design an individualized treatment plan based on the patient's goals. Ankle pain relief can be achieved through a combination of the following treatments:

• Education on Pathology, including Healthy Habits to Improve Ambulation and Safe Movement. 
• Progression of Weight Bearing Status
• Exercises to Strengthen Lower Leg Muscles
• Stretches to Improve Muscle Flexibility and Joint Mobility
• Balance and Proprioceptive Exercises
• Hands on Deep Tissue Massage
• Integrated Dry Needling
• Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilizations (Graston Technique)
• Cupping Therapy
• Heat, Ice, or Electrical Stimulation

1.  Physical Therapy starts with a patient interview and a review of past medical history.  
2. The Physical Therapist will perform a complete physical assessment to find the source of your ankle pain.
3. Working with the patient, realistic and obtainable goals are designed by the physical therapist.
4. A treatment plan is designed based on the patient's goals, abilities and personal preferences. 
5. Molly and Dylan work closely with local pain management clinicians, orthopedic surgeons, and primary care physicians. If additional consultation is required, we pride ourselves with helping direct patient care.