The ankle joint combined with four main bones: the tibia (distal end), talus, calcaneus, and fibula (distal end). There are also a number of tendons and ligaments associated with your muscles (both the calf and shin). The ankle’s main motion is a hinge joint with two main movements: dorsiflexion (down) and plantar flexion (up). The ankle also has associated movements including eversion (ankle turning out) and inversion (ankle turning in).
Common Injuries
The most common ankle injury we see is an inversion sprain. These injuries are often the result of sports-related incidents, particularly running or activities that require you to quickly stop and change directions. A sprain is the result of an injury when the fibers of the ligaments of the joints are stretched beyond their normal capacity. When the ankle rolls inward, an inversion sprain occurs, like when you are walking on the street and your foot catches the edge of the sidewalk causing your ankle to bucket. The sole of the foot moves in toward your other foot and the outside or lateral ligaments of the joint are injured.
Ankle Sprains—The 3 Grades and What They Mean
Grade 1 Ankle Sprain
A Grade 1 sprain is one where the ligaments have not torn, only stretched further than normal. Symptoms of a first-degree sprain include discomfort when jumping, jogging or sometimes walking. Pain is usually mild and swelling is minimal. The joint may be a little stiff and slightly less stable than normal.
Grade 2 Ankle Sprain
A Grade 2 sprain is the most common type of sprain people seek medical care for. The ligament is partially torn, which can lead to several uncomfortable symptoms. The sprain will make walking difficult, be moderately painful and make it hard to use the ankle. The injury will result in noticeable swelling and often bruising.
Grade 3 Ankle Sprain
A Grade 3 sprain is the most severe and involves a full tear of the ligament. Pain is often severe and swelling is significant. The torn ligament makes the joint unstable, so it is not only painful but also very hard to use.
MRI imaging will able to see the soft tissue ( ligament, tendon and muscle) tear or fracture around the ankle joint. X ray can only see the fracture but not soft tissue injury.
How Your Chiropractor Can Help With Ankle Sprains
Whether you are walking, running, jumping or just standing, the ankle plays a vital role in how you move and use your body. That is why it can be so frustrating when you find yourself with an ankle injury. Fortunately, ankle sprains do heal with enough rest and the right treatment.
Chiropractor can help you recover from an ankle injury, both reducing pain and speeding up recovery time. Chiropractic also focuses on improving mobility and range of motion, which can be quite beneficial when trying to recover from a sprain and get back to your normal life.
Adjustments
Adjustments can be made to more than just the spine. The bones, ligaments and tendons in the ankle are designed to work in a certain way. A sprain can knock the ankle out of alignment, something that most traditional doctors and rehabs do not consider. An ankle adjustment will work to put things back into their proper places.
Strengthening Exercises
There are a variety of useful exercises that your chiropractor can take you through to improve strength and mobility in the ankle. Things like a wobble board, where you stabilize yourself on a wobbly platform and drawing on a board with a market held in your toes can be surprisingly effective at strengthening your ankle.