Ankle Injuries: Why You Should Visit Your Physiotherapist ASAP

Ankle-injuries

Ankle Injuries happen. Whether it’s a torn ligament, a fractured bone, or a ruptured Achilles tendon, wearing a moon boot can feel like you’ve been cast in the slow lane of life. But here’s the deal: if you’re in a moon boot, it’s not time to sit back and wait. Visiting your physiotherapist as soon as possible is crucial for optimal recovery and a smooth return to sport. Let’s break down why.

The Importance of Early Treatment in Ankle Injuries

When you injure your ankle and find yourself strapped into a moon boot, it’s easy to think, “I’ll just wait until this thing comes off to see my physiotherapist.” However, this could be a big mistake. Early treatment is key to a successful recovery for several reasons:

  • Optimal Healing Environment: The sooner you start, the better your body can heal. Early intervention helps to manage swelling and pain, which are critical in the first stages of injury.
  • Preventing Stiffness and Weakness: Prolonged immobilisation can lead to stiffness and weakness in the ankle. Physiotherapists can guide you through gentle exercises to maintain some mobility and strength, even while you’re still wearing the boot.
  • Reducing Recovery Time: Delaying physiotherapy means it will take longer to regain strength and stability once the boot is off. Starting early ensures that you are working on these aspects throughout the healing process.

What Physiotherapy Can Do for You

  • Soft Tissue Release: Injuries often lead to tight muscles and knots. Soft tissue release techniques can alleviate this tension, improving blood flow and promoting healing.
  • Joint Mobilisations: If appropriate for your specific injury, gentle joint mobilisations can help maintain mobility and prevent stiffness.
  • Exercises: You may be prescribed exercises to improve range of motion, improve or maintain strength, and enhance proprioception while you are healing.

The Dangers of Waiting

If you wait until your moon boot comes off to see a physiotherapist, you might be setting yourself up for a longer, more challenging recovery. Here’s why:

  • Delayed Recovery: Muscles and tissues that haven’t been worked on can become weak and inflexible. This makes the rehabilitation process slower and more painful.
  • Reduced Strength and Stability: Ankle injuries need careful attention to regain their original strength and stability. Without early physiotherapy, you might find it challenging to get back to your pre-injury level.
  • Proprioception Issues: Proprioception, or your body’s ability to sense movement, action, and location, is crucial for preventing future injuries. Early physiotherapy helps maintain this vital function.

Your physiotherapist is there to guide you, motivate you, and ensure that you’re doing everything you can to make a full recovery. So, don’t delay! The sooner you start, the better you’ll feel, and the faster you’ll be back to doing the things you love. Visiting your physiotherapist as soon as possible is essential to ensure a full and swift recovery, preventing long-term issues and getting you back on your feet stronger than ever. Don’t wait, your future mobility depends on it. Book now!

(Published Jan 1, 2025)


Written by: Nicholas Dimos (Physiotherapist)