Exercise, uneven surfaces, and sports can leave anyone with weak feet and ankles. Sometimes clients step the wrong way while running or playing tennis. If you are experiencing pain in the ankle and chronic sprains, visit Dr. Leonard Vekkos at Foot and Ankle Wellness Center at Seven Bridges in Woodbridge, IL.
Chronic ankle instability is often caused by repeated injuries to the ankle, such as sprains. These injuries tend to loosen the integrity of the ligaments and joints concerning the ankle. A person may walk a few steps and end up falling because the ankle tends to roll.
Some techniques to treat ankle instability are:
Physical Therapy
Therapists use exercise and other techniques to work with each client and strengthen the ligaments and muscles in either ankle for a sturdier stance and gait.
Therapeutic Braces
Your doctor or therapist may opt to have your ankle wrapped in a brace if the injury is still fresh or the client is experiencing a lot of pain. Braces offer added support around the ankle so that the client can walk with more confidence. The extra support also reduces the likelihood of re-injuring the joint.
Resting
Constant pressure on the ankle can lead to swelling and amplification of chronic pain. Resting your ankle helps it to heal quicker.
Elevation
Elevating your ankle allows the blood flow to go from your feet back toward your torso, which in turn, reduces edema and other symptoms.
Ice
Putting cold compresses on your ankle cools the tissues down and helps reduce the instance of inflammation.
Compress
Compressing the area helps to protect the area from becoming too enervated from blood flow.
Stumbling and instability do not have to be a lifelong condition. Dr. Vekkos is happy to work with clients and restore their gait. Call the Foot and Ankle Wellness Center at Seven Bridges. Woodbridge, IL at (630) 852-8522