Sprains are the most common form of ankle injury in the United States, with 2 million acute sprains occurring each year. Given all of these sprained ankles, it seems evident that there must be a way to treat the ankle to prevent both re-injury and possible future deterioration.

Read further to understand the function of the ankle structure, as well as the differences between standard medical care and chiropractic care for a sprained ankle.

Ankle Structure

The ankle consists of several bones and ligaments that all work together to move the ankle joint up and down. The three main ankle bones are the lower tibia (the shin bone), the lower fibula (the thinner bone in the lower leg), and the talus (just above the heel bone). The subtalutar joint allows the ankle to move side to side. These joints also attach the foot to the lower leg.

An ankle sprain occurs when the ankle ligaments become stretched or torn. This most commonly happens when the ankle turns, or rolls, too far into an unnatural position. In most cases, this happens when the foot rolls too far inward.

Standard Treatment for an Ankle Sprain

If you have ever sprained your ankle, you are almost certainly familiar with the acronym RICE:

• Rest
• Ice
• Compression
• Elevation

This is standard medical treatment for an ankle sprain, usually along with pain killers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories as needed, usually for two to four weeks until the pain and swelling subsides. Depending upon the severity of the sprain, exercise or physical therapy may also be introduced to regain mobility.

Chiropractic Care

Unfortunately, there is one major problem with standard treatment for a sprained ankle. If a sprain is not properly treated, you may end up not only more prone to future sprains, but also increase your risk for arthritis in the affected ankle later in life.

Perhaps more concerning, is the fact that your ankle bones and joints are more likely to shift out of alignment when you sprain your ankle. This can make your entire ankle structure less stable, thereby making you more likely to sprain the ankle again.

Chiropractic care is based on the understanding that the body’s joints can become misaligned as a result of illness, environmental conditions, or, as in the case of a sprained ankle, injury. Shifting the ankle joints back into proper alignment can restore normal function to the ankle, and protect it against further injury and deterioration.

Dr. Horst accomplishes this with what is known as a chiropractic adjustment, to create a space between the joints to give them the necessary room to ease back into proper alignment. He can do this adjustment with either his hands or the use of a small metal instrument that allows him to precisely target the areas of the joint that need to shift.

Dr. Horst may also recommend RICE, stretching exercises, and heat or ice therapy to speed healing.

Once your acute ankle sprain has healed and you are able to return to your regular activities, Dr. Horst recommends starting on a course of maintenance chiropractic adjustments to the affected ankle. Doing so will help strengthen the ankle and protect it from future sprains.