Iontophoresis, a treatment for inflamed joint and muscle problems, is regaining popularity as an alternative to injections and other treatments. The technique, first developed in the mid 1700’s, involves introduction of various medications (in the form of ions) through the skin by means of electricity. Using a low-volt direct electrical current, an ion, acting as an anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving medicine, penetrates the skin into the painful area.
Iontophoresis offers some advantages. It is cost-effective and portable, although the operator must be a licensed health professional. There is often less risk and discomfort than an injection. Unlike pills, it eliminates the absorption and loss of medication into the digestive tract. Also, less medication will have to be handled by the liver, and there is a much lower chance of overdose.
Although iontophoresis has many advantages, it may not be beneficial for everyone. It should not be used on people who have very sensitive skin or are sensitive to any ion that is proposed for treatment. Occasionally, skin irritation, even small blisters can occur on the area where the treatment is applied. In addition, the treatment often requires a series of applications, rather than just one appointment.
This type of treatment has been used successfully to treat tendinitis, bursitis, and arthritis, even gout. It has also been shown to help reduce calcium deposits in muscle,( a condition called myositis ossificans) that sometimes occurs following injury to a muscle. It works best for inflamed tissues that are not too deep below the skin’s surface, since most anti-inflammatory ions can penetrate only about ½ inch. The procedure is most often performed by licensed physical therapists, following referral from your physician. The therapist and physician determine which ion would be most beneficial for each condition. Some physicians also perform intophoresis treatments. If you suffer from one of the conditions mentioned in this article which have not responded adequately to injections or medication, you may want to ask your doctor about iontophoresis.
Showing posts with label treatment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label treatment. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Pulled Muscles
A pulled muscle can occur almost anywhere in the body. Also commonly referred to as a strained muscle, it happens when a muscle is used to a point beyond fatigue, or when it is jerked or stretched too rapidly, or simply worked too hard. Pulled muscles can range from a very small, almost microscopic tear to a large rupture. The pain can also be quite variable.
Many people pull or strain muscles when they become active after a period of inactivity or when they start a new activity. Pulled muscles also commonly occur at the beginning of sports activities. Inactivity causes the muscles to become weak and sometimes tight. Sports coaches are usually aware of the need for their athletes to properly prepare for a new season. In those people who have a tendency to develop tight muscles, stretching is one of the most important aspects of injury prevention. Strengthening exercises, such as weight training, are also good ways to prevent pulled muscles. The key with stretching and strengthening is to increase the activity slowly, so as not to cause an injury while trying to prevent one! Sometimes it is helpful to consult a fitness professional or physical therapist prior to embarking upon a new program.
Treatment of pulled muscles will depend upon the severity of the injury. If the discomfort is mild and does not interfere very much with normal activities, simply turning down your activity level will allow the injury to heal properly. On the other hand, a pulled muscle that is associated with significant pain, swelling, weakness or discoloration(black and blue) should be evaluated by a health care professional. A physician, physical therapist, or athletic trainer can assess the injury and advise you on how to proceed. If professional treatment is needed, is often provided by physical therapists or athletic trainers. Just like the treatment received by professional athletes, it can include ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, infrared, and gentle massage; all to help speed the healing process.
Many people pull or strain muscles when they become active after a period of inactivity or when they start a new activity. Pulled muscles also commonly occur at the beginning of sports activities. Inactivity causes the muscles to become weak and sometimes tight. Sports coaches are usually aware of the need for their athletes to properly prepare for a new season. In those people who have a tendency to develop tight muscles, stretching is one of the most important aspects of injury prevention. Strengthening exercises, such as weight training, are also good ways to prevent pulled muscles. The key with stretching and strengthening is to increase the activity slowly, so as not to cause an injury while trying to prevent one! Sometimes it is helpful to consult a fitness professional or physical therapist prior to embarking upon a new program.
Treatment of pulled muscles will depend upon the severity of the injury. If the discomfort is mild and does not interfere very much with normal activities, simply turning down your activity level will allow the injury to heal properly. On the other hand, a pulled muscle that is associated with significant pain, swelling, weakness or discoloration(black and blue) should be evaluated by a health care professional. A physician, physical therapist, or athletic trainer can assess the injury and advise you on how to proceed. If professional treatment is needed, is often provided by physical therapists or athletic trainers. Just like the treatment received by professional athletes, it can include ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, infrared, and gentle massage; all to help speed the healing process.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome(CTS) is one of today’s more costly workplace medical problems. It can affect anyone, from computer programmers to assembly line workers. You may know of someone who has suffered from this malady or may have experienced symptoms yourself.
The carpal tunnel is a narrow space in your wrist which carries a major nerve (the median nerve) along with tendons that help control your fingers. When inflammation occurs, the tendons swell, fluid increases in the tunnel, and there is increased pressure on the median nerve.
Conditions that can lead to compression of the median nerve include repeated movements, arthritis, diabetes, fluid retention, gout, poorly aligned fractures, chemical imbalances, emotional stress, and even hormonal changes in women. Along with repeated motions, another physical cause can be holding the hand in one position for long periods of time.
People with CTS may experience numbness,weakness, tingling and burning in their fingers and hands. If severe, CTS can force people to undergo surgery to relieve the pressure. In the most extreme, rare cases, a person could be prevented from working at all because their hand function is permanently impaired. Recent studies show that carpal tunnel syndrome is on the rise in some workplaces. Because of this, many employers are turning to physical therapists and other health professionals to help them design programs to prevent CTS. Some of the workplace issues that can be addressed include poor postures, tools, furniture, and equipment. Often included are exercises that people can do at home or at work. In addition, individual work stations may be modified. Specifically, chair type, computer monitor height, and keyboard position may need to be changed. A change in the grip size of a frequently-used tool is often helpful.
While surgery is sometimes necessary, other treatments are often tried first. These include wrist splints, anti-inflammatory medication, and/or injections. In the last two years, infrared light therapy has been used to relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. In 2001, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved infrared light for the treatment of carpal tunnel pain. Many of these options are considered prior to surgery or in the event that surgery fails.
The carpal tunnel is a narrow space in your wrist which carries a major nerve (the median nerve) along with tendons that help control your fingers. When inflammation occurs, the tendons swell, fluid increases in the tunnel, and there is increased pressure on the median nerve.
Conditions that can lead to compression of the median nerve include repeated movements, arthritis, diabetes, fluid retention, gout, poorly aligned fractures, chemical imbalances, emotional stress, and even hormonal changes in women. Along with repeated motions, another physical cause can be holding the hand in one position for long periods of time.
People with CTS may experience numbness,weakness, tingling and burning in their fingers and hands. If severe, CTS can force people to undergo surgery to relieve the pressure. In the most extreme, rare cases, a person could be prevented from working at all because their hand function is permanently impaired. Recent studies show that carpal tunnel syndrome is on the rise in some workplaces. Because of this, many employers are turning to physical therapists and other health professionals to help them design programs to prevent CTS. Some of the workplace issues that can be addressed include poor postures, tools, furniture, and equipment. Often included are exercises that people can do at home or at work. In addition, individual work stations may be modified. Specifically, chair type, computer monitor height, and keyboard position may need to be changed. A change in the grip size of a frequently-used tool is often helpful.
While surgery is sometimes necessary, other treatments are often tried first. These include wrist splints, anti-inflammatory medication, and/or injections. In the last two years, infrared light therapy has been used to relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. In 2001, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved infrared light for the treatment of carpal tunnel pain. Many of these options are considered prior to surgery or in the event that surgery fails.
Knee Pain in Young Athletes
Young athletes are susceptible to almost all of the knee injuries seen in adults, but two of the more common conditions that affect teens and pre-teens are Osgood-Schlatter disease and patello-femoral (kneecap) pain.
Because youngsters’ muscles, bones and joints are not fully developed, it’s important that symptoms be evaluated by a professional to avoid prolonged discomfort, a more severe injury, or even unnecessary removal from an activity.
Osgood-Schlatter disease is the most common cause of knee pain in young athletes, particularly boys. It's caused by repetitive tension from vigorous knee movements and has a tell-tale tender bump just below the kneecap. It is aggravated by running, jumping, kneeling, and squatting. The problem resolves when growth is completed in that part of the bone, around age 15. There is no need to completely restrict activity with this condition, but some cases will require a partial decrease in painful activity, anti-inflammatory medicine, ice and flexibility exercises. It is essential to use proper technique when strengthening the legs, to minimize pain.
Another area of pain in youngsters is the patello-femoral joint, or kneecap area.(it’s not just the kneecap, but also the area immediately surrounding it) The pain can be caused by a slight misalignment between the kneecap and the rest of the knee. If misalignment is the cause, treatment can include taping, temporary bracing and a physical therapy program of specific exercises to stretch tight muscles and strengthen weak muscles around the kneecap. Sometimes, even arch supports will help, if a foot problem is causing the knee to be misaligned. It is one of the most frequently seen problems by physical therapists.
There are other causes of knee pain in young people that require the expertise of a professional health care team for proper diagnosis and treatment. These conditions include detached fragments of bone and/or cartilage, which are not preceded by an injury. If a young person’s knee problem does not respond to simple measures such as ice, compression, elevation and decreased activity, a visit to the doctor is definitely in order.
Tony Oliveri is a licensed physical therapist who owns Oliveri Physical Therapy and Sports Training in Rochester.
Because youngsters’ muscles, bones and joints are not fully developed, it’s important that symptoms be evaluated by a professional to avoid prolonged discomfort, a more severe injury, or even unnecessary removal from an activity.
Osgood-Schlatter disease is the most common cause of knee pain in young athletes, particularly boys. It's caused by repetitive tension from vigorous knee movements and has a tell-tale tender bump just below the kneecap. It is aggravated by running, jumping, kneeling, and squatting. The problem resolves when growth is completed in that part of the bone, around age 15. There is no need to completely restrict activity with this condition, but some cases will require a partial decrease in painful activity, anti-inflammatory medicine, ice and flexibility exercises. It is essential to use proper technique when strengthening the legs, to minimize pain.
Another area of pain in youngsters is the patello-femoral joint, or kneecap area.(it’s not just the kneecap, but also the area immediately surrounding it) The pain can be caused by a slight misalignment between the kneecap and the rest of the knee. If misalignment is the cause, treatment can include taping, temporary bracing and a physical therapy program of specific exercises to stretch tight muscles and strengthen weak muscles around the kneecap. Sometimes, even arch supports will help, if a foot problem is causing the knee to be misaligned. It is one of the most frequently seen problems by physical therapists.
There are other causes of knee pain in young people that require the expertise of a professional health care team for proper diagnosis and treatment. These conditions include detached fragments of bone and/or cartilage, which are not preceded by an injury. If a young person’s knee problem does not respond to simple measures such as ice, compression, elevation and decreased activity, a visit to the doctor is definitely in order.
Tony Oliveri is a licensed physical therapist who owns Oliveri Physical Therapy and Sports Training in Rochester.
Knee Pain
Knee pain is one of the most common complaints among both athletes and non-athletes. Sources of knee pain include ligament sprains, muscle strains, bruises, and even fractures. In addition, inflammation in the form of arthritis, tendinitis, or bursitis may be the culprit. Quite frequently, a person can develop knee pain without recalling an actual injury.
If you develop knee pain and don’t know what it is, many possibilities exist. Tendinitis refers to inflammation of a tendon, the area where a muscle attaches to bone. Bursitis is inflammation of the small fluid sacs which help to lubricate joints, while arthritis refers to inflammation of the surfaces of bones which are normally smooth and glide painlessly upon one another during movement. There are numerous possible causes for all of these forms of inflammation, including trauma, overuse, strain, and the various forms of arthritis which are too numerous to mention here.
One of the more commonly reported maladies of the knee is referred to as anterior knee pain, or “patellofemoral” pain. This can be caused by a slight misalignment between the kneecap (patella) and the rest of the knee. Often, this pain develops following a change in activity (or sport) or even from wearing a worn out pair of shoes for too long! The trick to eliminating the pain, is, of course, finding the cause. If the cause is not obvious or the pain severe, you should contact a health care professional for assistance.
Self-treatment for minor knee discomfort includes ice (20 minutes at a time),decreased activity, and application of over-the counter anti-inflammatory cremes. If you use an elastic knee support, it should not be applied too tightly or overnight: you’ll end up with a swollen foot or ankle due to compression of blood vessels behind your knee. Medical treatment could involve drugs, injections, and sometimes surgery. Physical therapy treatment can include taping, temporary bracing, ultrasound, infrared cold laser and instruction in specific exercises to stretch tight muscles and strengthen weak muscles around your knee. In addition, electrical stimulation to some of the knee muscles has been shown to help in many cases.
If you develop knee pain and don’t know what it is, many possibilities exist. Tendinitis refers to inflammation of a tendon, the area where a muscle attaches to bone. Bursitis is inflammation of the small fluid sacs which help to lubricate joints, while arthritis refers to inflammation of the surfaces of bones which are normally smooth and glide painlessly upon one another during movement. There are numerous possible causes for all of these forms of inflammation, including trauma, overuse, strain, and the various forms of arthritis which are too numerous to mention here.
One of the more commonly reported maladies of the knee is referred to as anterior knee pain, or “patellofemoral” pain. This can be caused by a slight misalignment between the kneecap (patella) and the rest of the knee. Often, this pain develops following a change in activity (or sport) or even from wearing a worn out pair of shoes for too long! The trick to eliminating the pain, is, of course, finding the cause. If the cause is not obvious or the pain severe, you should contact a health care professional for assistance.
Self-treatment for minor knee discomfort includes ice (20 minutes at a time),decreased activity, and application of over-the counter anti-inflammatory cremes. If you use an elastic knee support, it should not be applied too tightly or overnight: you’ll end up with a swollen foot or ankle due to compression of blood vessels behind your knee. Medical treatment could involve drugs, injections, and sometimes surgery. Physical therapy treatment can include taping, temporary bracing, ultrasound, infrared cold laser and instruction in specific exercises to stretch tight muscles and strengthen weak muscles around your knee. In addition, electrical stimulation to some of the knee muscles has been shown to help in many cases.
Shin Splints
Shin splints, or lower leg pain is a common ailment, particularly in runners. It can occur in seasoned runners as well as beginners or even non-runners. The pain appears when the physical stress of running(or walking) exceeds the body’s ability to tolerate it.
The key symptom is an ache , throb, or pulling sensation in one or both legs, between the ankle and knee. Pain can be present either on the front or inner side of the shin. Often, there is tenderness when pressure is applied to the shin bone(tibia). These symptoms usually occur after running or other weight-bearing exercise. However, in some cases the pain may actually go away while exercising, once the muscles are warmed up. This can lead a person to ignore the symptoms, only to worsen gradually.
Shin splints can be caused by muscular imbalances, insufficient shock absorption, increasing running mileage too quickly, or excessive pronation(flattening and turning in) of the foot. Muscle imbalances occur when one group of muscles is either too tight or too weak in relation to the opposing group. An example is the calf muscles being too tight and the frontal shin muscles being too weak. A physical therapist can evaluate a muscle imbalance and prescribe corrective exercises. Insufficient shock absorption can be related to a combination of muscle imbalance, a hard running surface, or shoes that are worn out, as well as excessive pronation. It is important not to exceed the useful life of your running shoes when it comes to shock absorption and overall support. Experienced running shoe salespeople can help you make that determination.
Minor cases of shin splints can be self-treated with a combination of rest or cutting back on activity and in some cases, anti-inflammatory medicine. Questions about medication can be answered by a physician. Application of ice after activity is often helpful. Runners or walkers can decrease their mileage and avoid hard surfaces, or get better cushioning. Suspect pronation as a cause of the problem if the inside heel of the shoe wears out more quickly than the outside. Supportive, inexpensive shoe inserts are often enough to alleviate shin splints. There is now a leg support available that may help some individuals. In extreme cases, custom-fitted orthotic devices may be needed. Persistant problems can be addressed by professionals who deal with the lower leg and foot, such as podiatrists, sportsmedicine physicians, and physical therapists.
If ignored, shin splints can develop into a stress fracture, a much more serious problem.
The key symptom is an ache , throb, or pulling sensation in one or both legs, between the ankle and knee. Pain can be present either on the front or inner side of the shin. Often, there is tenderness when pressure is applied to the shin bone(tibia). These symptoms usually occur after running or other weight-bearing exercise. However, in some cases the pain may actually go away while exercising, once the muscles are warmed up. This can lead a person to ignore the symptoms, only to worsen gradually.
Shin splints can be caused by muscular imbalances, insufficient shock absorption, increasing running mileage too quickly, or excessive pronation(flattening and turning in) of the foot. Muscle imbalances occur when one group of muscles is either too tight or too weak in relation to the opposing group. An example is the calf muscles being too tight and the frontal shin muscles being too weak. A physical therapist can evaluate a muscle imbalance and prescribe corrective exercises. Insufficient shock absorption can be related to a combination of muscle imbalance, a hard running surface, or shoes that are worn out, as well as excessive pronation. It is important not to exceed the useful life of your running shoes when it comes to shock absorption and overall support. Experienced running shoe salespeople can help you make that determination.
Minor cases of shin splints can be self-treated with a combination of rest or cutting back on activity and in some cases, anti-inflammatory medicine. Questions about medication can be answered by a physician. Application of ice after activity is often helpful. Runners or walkers can decrease their mileage and avoid hard surfaces, or get better cushioning. Suspect pronation as a cause of the problem if the inside heel of the shoe wears out more quickly than the outside. Supportive, inexpensive shoe inserts are often enough to alleviate shin splints. There is now a leg support available that may help some individuals. In extreme cases, custom-fitted orthotic devices may be needed. Persistant problems can be addressed by professionals who deal with the lower leg and foot, such as podiatrists, sportsmedicine physicians, and physical therapists.
If ignored, shin splints can develop into a stress fracture, a much more serious problem.
Achilles Tendon Injuries
Pain in the Achilles tendon is common in both active individuals and those who exercise very little. So common, and been around so long that it is mentioned in Greek mythology! The tendon is located in the back of the ankle, acting as the attachment of the calf muscles to the heel bone. Like many other tendon problems, an injury here can stem from overuse or degeneration (the gradual breakdown of connective tissue).
With tendinitis, the feeling may be that of a mild burning, prickly sensation or dull ache in the Achilles tendon, about 1 to three inches above the heel bone. That part of the tendon is susceptible to injury or degeneration due to a poor blood supply. As the problem worsens, the pain may be described as a shooting, stabbing sensation, especially during physical activity. A crackling sensation may sometimes be felt while rubbing the tendon with fingers, indicating inflammatory fluid is probably present.
If the tendon becomes weak, a partial or complete tear(rupture) can occur. At that point, the person may feel a sudden snap or pop, sometimes believing that someone has kicked them. Sometimes, there is very little pain, but swelling develops. A torn Achilles will cause obvious weakness when attempting to stand on ones toes or “push off” with the foot.
Achilles tendon irritation can be caused by something as simple as the back of the shoe rubbing against it. On the other hand, damage can be caused by repetitive overstretching while running or walking. If flexibility and conditioning in that part of the body is not optimal, the tendon gradually loses its ability to tolerate the stress of body weight with each step. The best prevention is a flexibility and strengthening program for the calf and ankle area. Like most overuse injuries, a gradual increase in training volume and intensity is also one of the best ways to "stay out of trouble". Try not to increase volume or intensity by more than 10% per week. Your heart and lungs may be able to take it, but your achilles may yell at you!
Treatment for Achilles tendon problems begins with self-care. This can include gentle stretching, ice application, and use of over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. Some practitioners even recommend the latest dietary supplement used for arthritis: glucosamine. Professional care should be sought if the symptoms do not resolve after two weeks, or if an obvious, persistent limp is present. Your health care professionals may prescribe special exercises, rest, physical therapy, and possibly medication. Other treatments include heel lifts, shoe orthotics, and night splints. Surgery may be required if excessive scar tissue has formed or if a complete rupture is present. After that, a gradual program of rehabilitation would be needed.
Tony Oliveri, M.S.,P.T.
With tendinitis, the feeling may be that of a mild burning, prickly sensation or dull ache in the Achilles tendon, about 1 to three inches above the heel bone. That part of the tendon is susceptible to injury or degeneration due to a poor blood supply. As the problem worsens, the pain may be described as a shooting, stabbing sensation, especially during physical activity. A crackling sensation may sometimes be felt while rubbing the tendon with fingers, indicating inflammatory fluid is probably present.
If the tendon becomes weak, a partial or complete tear(rupture) can occur. At that point, the person may feel a sudden snap or pop, sometimes believing that someone has kicked them. Sometimes, there is very little pain, but swelling develops. A torn Achilles will cause obvious weakness when attempting to stand on ones toes or “push off” with the foot.
Achilles tendon irritation can be caused by something as simple as the back of the shoe rubbing against it. On the other hand, damage can be caused by repetitive overstretching while running or walking. If flexibility and conditioning in that part of the body is not optimal, the tendon gradually loses its ability to tolerate the stress of body weight with each step. The best prevention is a flexibility and strengthening program for the calf and ankle area. Like most overuse injuries, a gradual increase in training volume and intensity is also one of the best ways to "stay out of trouble". Try not to increase volume or intensity by more than 10% per week. Your heart and lungs may be able to take it, but your achilles may yell at you!
Treatment for Achilles tendon problems begins with self-care. This can include gentle stretching, ice application, and use of over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. Some practitioners even recommend the latest dietary supplement used for arthritis: glucosamine. Professional care should be sought if the symptoms do not resolve after two weeks, or if an obvious, persistent limp is present. Your health care professionals may prescribe special exercises, rest, physical therapy, and possibly medication. Other treatments include heel lifts, shoe orthotics, and night splints. Surgery may be required if excessive scar tissue has formed or if a complete rupture is present. After that, a gradual program of rehabilitation would be needed.
Tony Oliveri, M.S.,P.T.
Ankle Sprains
Sprained ankles happen to be one of the most common injuries among both athletes and non-athletes. The amount of movement that takes place at the ankle, coupled with numerous opportunities for missteps or awkward positions makes the area very vulnerable.
Sprains can occur on either side of the ankle, but the outer (lateral) side is injured most frequently. An ankle sprain occurs when the foot is turned excessively and abruptly enough to tear or overly stretch ligaments around the joint. Occasionally, the sprain can be severe enough to cause a fracture of bone that is attached to one of the ligaments (referred to as an avulsion). The severity of an ankle sprain can often be initially determined by the symptoms. Mild sprains will usually cause only mild discomfort and swelling, and very little or no swelling. More severe sprains will cause limping, greater swelling and often bruising within several hours.
Treatment of an ankle sprain will of course depend upon the severity of injury. With most ankle sprains, the initial treatment is often referred to as RICE: rest, ice, compression, elevation; which are meant to promote healing (rest), and reduce pain and swelling. Protect the skin from cold injury by using a small cloth between the skin and ice, or apply ice massage after proper instructions by a health care professional. Ice applications should not last more than about 20 minutes, but can be repeated frequently. Compression can be applied using an elastic wrap or an air splint. Care must be taken, to avoid too much compression, leading to swelling or numbness in the foot. Mild sprains will often require only a few days of home treatment, followed by a gradual return to usual activities.
Moderate to severe sprains will not respond quickly to the treatment described above and will exhibit more pain and swelling than mild sprains. Any sprain that does not respond within a few days to the RICE treatment or leads to persistent limping should be evaluated by a professional. X-rays may have to be done if a fracture or severe ligament damage is suspected. Along with RICE treatment, crutches and/or a cast may be needed. In very severe cases, surgical repair may be required. Full recovery from severe or persistent ankle sprains often involves strengthening, balance, and carefully prescribed agility exercises, to regain normal function and prevent reinjury. At Oliveri Physical Therapy, we provide all of the exercises needed to properly rehabilitate injured ankles. In addition, we provide modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and infrared energy to promote and speed healing.
Tony Oliveri is a licensed physical therapist and owns Oliveri Physical Therapy and Sports Training in Rochester.
Sprains can occur on either side of the ankle, but the outer (lateral) side is injured most frequently. An ankle sprain occurs when the foot is turned excessively and abruptly enough to tear or overly stretch ligaments around the joint. Occasionally, the sprain can be severe enough to cause a fracture of bone that is attached to one of the ligaments (referred to as an avulsion). The severity of an ankle sprain can often be initially determined by the symptoms. Mild sprains will usually cause only mild discomfort and swelling, and very little or no swelling. More severe sprains will cause limping, greater swelling and often bruising within several hours.
Treatment of an ankle sprain will of course depend upon the severity of injury. With most ankle sprains, the initial treatment is often referred to as RICE: rest, ice, compression, elevation; which are meant to promote healing (rest), and reduce pain and swelling. Protect the skin from cold injury by using a small cloth between the skin and ice, or apply ice massage after proper instructions by a health care professional. Ice applications should not last more than about 20 minutes, but can be repeated frequently. Compression can be applied using an elastic wrap or an air splint. Care must be taken, to avoid too much compression, leading to swelling or numbness in the foot. Mild sprains will often require only a few days of home treatment, followed by a gradual return to usual activities.
Moderate to severe sprains will not respond quickly to the treatment described above and will exhibit more pain and swelling than mild sprains. Any sprain that does not respond within a few days to the RICE treatment or leads to persistent limping should be evaluated by a professional. X-rays may have to be done if a fracture or severe ligament damage is suspected. Along with RICE treatment, crutches and/or a cast may be needed. In very severe cases, surgical repair may be required. Full recovery from severe or persistent ankle sprains often involves strengthening, balance, and carefully prescribed agility exercises, to regain normal function and prevent reinjury. At Oliveri Physical Therapy, we provide all of the exercises needed to properly rehabilitate injured ankles. In addition, we provide modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and infrared energy to promote and speed healing.
Tony Oliveri is a licensed physical therapist and owns Oliveri Physical Therapy and Sports Training in Rochester.
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