Ankle Sprain Chiropractic Treatment in San Diego
Like the knee joint, injury to the ankle joint can cause pain with even simple tasks such as standing or walking. For most patient’s, an ankle sprain prevents any type of athletic activity, including hiking and jogging. Ankle sprains can be very slow to heal because the sprain itself causes instability of the joint which leads to easy exacerbation. Furthermore, the ankle is a weight bearing joint which means that as long as you are on your feet the joint is subject to stress which can cause irritation, inflammation, pain and additional disability.
Treatment of ankle sprains requires a multifaceted approach that includes both in office and at home therapy. In the office we address the injury with physical therapy modalities that include electric muscle stimulation, ultrasound and manipulations of the involved joints in the ankle and foot.
At home your therapy will include R.I.C.E., which is an acronym for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Ligament injuries can take months to return to their pre-injury strength so you need to remember to take it slow and be patient with yourself.
Foot Pain – Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is another common condition of the foot. Plantar Fasciitis is characterized by pain in the heal and arch of the foot that can be extreme in the morning but improves as the day progresses. It is also extremely painful after short periods of rest or during weight bearing activities such as walking, jogging or hiking.
The pain associated with plantar fasciitis can force us to change the way we walk which creates asymmetrical loading on other structures in the foot causing secondary areas of pain. I personally have suffered with plantar fasciitis and can testify to the extent to which this condition can impact your mobility.
According to books and Google searches, plantar fasciitis typically affects athletes, runners in particular. In my practice I have not found that to be accurate. I have seen just as many sedentary patients affected by this condition as I have had athletes affected by it. Plantar fasciitis does not seem to discriminate.
Treatment for plantar fasciitis is challenging. There are typical areas of the foot and calf muscles that are treated, but the method of treatment is difficult to determine. Plainly said, the formula for recovery for one patient with plantar fasciitis may not be the formula that works for another patient. In my office we treat the plantar fascia itself with trigger point therapy, ultrasound and manipulations.
We also look for tenderness in the calf muscle which is treated with electric stimulation and trigger point therapy. Home therapy is also effective. My patients are given a list of seven at home therapies that help break down adhesion in the plantar fascia and reduce inflammation in the foot. Most of my patients find that several of these therapies are effective for them and focus on the ones that work for their condition.
For Ankle or Foot Pain Relief, Dial (619) 831-8777 – OR:
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