Ankle sprains- do you need imaging?
Ankle sprains are very common injuries and can occur in people of all ages. The outside of the ankle is more commonly injured than the inside and usually involves accidentally rolling the foot inward. This movement places stress on the ligaments that protect the outside of the ankle, making them vulnerable to injury. Immediately after an ankle sprain, it’s usually necessary to go through a short period of resting, icing, and elevating the foot. This is important for pain and swelling management. However, physical rehabilitation is crucial after an ankle sprain to avoid long term stiffness, weakness, and pain, and to safely return to pre-injury activities.
Often times, ankle sprains can be confidently diagnosed in the clinic based on the mechanism of injury, location of pain and swelling, and special tests for ligament integrity. In the case of severe ankle injuries, it may be necessary to rule out a fracture of the bones. A physical therapist can help you determine if you need to see a physician and get x-rays following an ankle sprain. Your PT will look for the following things during your assessment: significant tenderness when poking along the back edge of the ankle bone on 1) the outside of the ankle and 2) the inside of the ankle, and 3) the inability to bear weight or take steps on the injured side immediately after the injury. If any of these findings are positive, your PT may recommend that you get x-rays taken before starting treatment. Additionally, if the therapist suspects complete tearing of the ankle ligaments, they may recommend more detailed imaging such as an MRI. Otherwise, if your PT concludes your symptoms are consistent with a standard ankle sprain, they may be able to save you a trip to the doctor’s office and money spent on imaging.
If you or someone you know experiences an ankle injury, schedule an appointment with one of our skilled physical therapists at Dynamic Physical Therapy. During our hour-long treatment sessions, you’ll be one-on-one with your physical therapist, who can help you determine the best next steps and kickstart your road to recovery. Please call (312) 643-1555 or email [email protected] with any questions or to schedule your consultation today.
