Ankle Physical TherapyPhysical Therapy in Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Gonzales & Surrounding Cities

Physical Therapy for Ankle

Physical therapy treatment should be part of your recovery process for ankle pain. Your physical therapist at Baton Rouge Physical Therapy will determine the cause of your pain and any associated weaknesses and mobility deficits in the area. Your therapist will then give you an individualized program to improve your ankle pain, no matter how long you have had the ankle pain. They will also recommend activities that you should avoid or modify to assist the healing process.

Common Causes of Ankle Pain

Ankle pain occurs for varied reasons and is often a result of poor mobility and mechanics around the ankle and leg. Sudden injuries are to blame for much ankle pain, which occurs with a sudden onset. Injuries like ankle sprains, fractures, and Achilles tendon ruptures occur from sudden force to the ankle through falling or running. Ankle sprains are very common, with around 2 million people in the US sustaining an ankle sprain each year. Sprains differ in severity from grade 1, a mild sprain, to grade 3, a complete tear of the ligaments. These can occur in any age group from falls or sports injuries. Gradual problems, like Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis occur over time due to poor muscle balance in the ankle. No matter the cause of your pain, your physical therapist will determine a plan with the goal of long-lasting pain relief.

Stretches for Ankle Discomfort

Stretches are a common way to achieve ankle pain solutions. Depending on what the physical therapist finds in your examination, they will recommend and instruct you on stretches to improve the mobility surrounding your ankle, knee, and hip. Stretches will be only part of the plan because it will also prioritize strengthening and ankle mobility within the joint. A common muscle to stretch is the gastrocnemius (calf), which crosses the ankle. This muscle may restrict your ability to move your foot towards you if it is tight.

Physical Therapy Solutions

Ankle pain resolution is possible and probable with a physical therapist. If you stick to the plan that your physical therapist instructs you to follow, you can achieve long term relief! Your physical therapist will reassess your ankle and leg as you make progress and adjust your exercise program accordingly to ensure that you reach your highest potential. The goal of our physical therapists that serve the Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, and Gonzales communities is to help you return to the activities you loved doing before you had an ankle problem in the first place.