Any serious athlete or “weekend warrior” knows that few things will take them out of the game faster than ankle pain. Depending on the severity and cause of the pain, it can put someone on the sidelines for anywhere from a few days to several months. Of course, the best way to reduce the chances of ankle pain is to properly stretch beforehand. However, despite a proper warm-up routine, ankle pain may still happen. Dr. Nathen Horst works closely with both professional and amateur athletes to keep them at the top of their game. His use of Active Release Treatment (ART) can reduce the chances of ankle pain for active patients, as well as get them back to their sport as soon as possible after ankle pain sets in. 

What Are the Common Causes of Ankle Pain?

The most common cause for ankle pain is a sprain, which accounts for about 85 percent of all ankle injuries. In a sprain, the ankle will hyper-extend by rolling too far inward. This will stretch or tear the ankle and foot ligaments and tendons, leading to severe ankle pain. If a sprained ankle is not properly treated, chances for re-injury can range from 40 percent to 70 percent.

The other most common causes for ankle pain are due to either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis in the ankle is a result of the cartilage being worn down with age, such that the bones are rubbing directly against one another. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the ankle joints will become swollen and stiff, reducing range of motion.

What Is the Standard Treatment for Ankle Pain?

The common treatment for ankle pain, particularly due to sprains, is best known by the acronym PRICE:

• Protection: Splinting or taping the ankle to prevent re-injury
• Rest: Stay off the ankle as much as possible. Use crutches or a cane as needed.
• Ice: Place an ice pack on the ankle for 20 minutes, three to five times a day for the first one to three days following the onset of pain or injury
• Compression: Wrap the ankle in an ACE bandage up to mid-calf. Loosen the bandage if the toes turn blue or become cold.
• Elevation: Elevate the ankle to above the heart as much as possible.

How Can Chiropractic Care Help Ankle Pain?

After an initial assessment to determine the cause of the ankle pain, Dr. Horst will then manipulate the ankle and foot in various directions to cause the soft tissue layers, ligaments, and tendons to slide across one another. At the same time, he will apply pressure on the painful area with either the hand or the thumb. This technique is designed to break up adhesions, move muscle layers in certain ways, or separate a nerve from connective tissue or a muscle. While it may be uncomfortable, Dr. Horst will not push movement past the patient’s level of pain tolerance.

Dr. Horst understands that active patients wish to stay that way as long as possible. Proper, effective treatment for ankle pain will help keep them in the game as long as possible.

To schedule a chiropractic appointment, contact Horst Chriopractic.