Sometimes it only takes a wrong movement, a sudden catch, or a quick gesture for pain to set in. A sprain, sometimes called a strain, is an injury that anyone can experience, regardless of age or gender. Although, like any trauma, it can be unpleasant and sometimes disabling, it is an ailment that a chiropractor can effectively relieve.
This natural care professional works on soft tissues and manipulates joints to keep them healthy and functional. Here is what they can offer to recover from a sprain.
Ankle Sprain, a Joint and Ligament Injury
A sprain is an injury to the ligaments that occurs when a joint undergoes a sudden twist or stress in one direction. A sprain can happen during sports practice as well as when a person is performing a daily task if their joint is already weakened.
There are several types of ankle sprains, depending on the mechanism of injury. A wrong movement causing the foot to roll inward causes a lateral ankle sprain, meaning the ligaments on the outside of the ankle are affected (called the talofibular ligaments). This is the most common type of ankle sprain. However, a wrong movement causing the foot to roll outward results in a medial ankle sprain: in this case, the ligaments on the inside of the ankle are affected. The last type of sprain is the high ankle sprain: an injury to the syndesmosis, which is the joint between the two bones forming the leg at the level of the ankle.
Sprains are generally painful, and depending on their location, they can also impact the patient’s daily life. Nevertheless, they are injuries that heal well with rest, care, and appropriate rehabilitation.
Severity of Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are categorized according to their severity. If the ligaments are simply stretched, it is a mild sprain or grade 1. This type of injury is sometimes also called a strain. Usually, there is little or no swelling or bruising, but it is possible to feel a slight painful limitation in movement.
If ligament fibers are partially torn, it is a moderate sprain or grade 2. Bruising and marked swelling may appear, and intense pain is felt at rest or during movement.
In the case of a severe sprain, or grade 3, the ligaments are completely ruptured, and it is very difficult to use the affected joint. The symptoms of this type of sprain are the same as grade 2; sometimes grade 3 sprains are even less painful than the previous ones because movements no longer put tension on the injured ligament.
There may also be an avulsion fracture, where a bone fragment is torn off due to the tension created in the injured ligament during the injury. In this case, medical care is necessary.
What Is the Healing Time for a Sprain with Chiropractic Treatment?
The healing time required for a sprain varies according to its severity, but it usually ranges from a few weeks to several months for recovery. A strain may require only two weeks to heal. Healing times for grades 2 and 3 sprains are very variable: it depends on the extent of the ligament tear. On average, recovery takes from 4 weeks to several months.
Note: it can also happen that a moderate sprain takes longer to heal than a grade 3 sprain; this injury can recur during the healing period. That is why good rehabilitation and proper chiropractic follow-up can support an optimal recovery, and as quickly as possible.
Recognizing the Symptoms of a Sprain
The most common and obvious symptom of a sprain is its sharp pain. Whether the sprain is mild or severe, it remains painful. In the case of a grade 1 sprain, however, the sensation may decrease and then flare up again a few hours later, especially if the patient tries to reach their normal range of motion. This type of sprain does not cause bruising and shows little or no swelling.
If the sprain is moderate or severe, however, the pain is persistent and very intense. The affected joint swells, and bruising may also appear. Depending on the severity of the injury, the patient may have difficulty moving the ankle. It may also become unstable.
If no weight bearing on the foot of the injured leg is possible due to the pain, even after a few hours have passed since the injury, the possibility of a fracture should be considered.
How Does a Sprain Occur?
A sprain can occur when a joint goes beyond its natural range of motion. The most frequent cases of sprains occur during sports activities. Activities that involve running, jumping, slipping, or fighting are among the riskiest in this respect.
Another significant risk factor is having previously sustained an ankle sprain, but it is also possible to get injured by simply walking on a slippery surface, missing a step, or tripping. Certain work environments that require employees to move a lot and carry loads can also be conducive to sprains.
In other instances, ill-fitting footwear can cause the injury. For example, women wearing very high heels are more vulnerable to sprains. Finally, it is important to note that repetitive poorly controlled movements can, in the long run, cause a sprain. Repetitive daily tasks, weakened muscles, and poor form can indeed weaken the ligaments and lead to injury.
Who Are Most at Risk of Being Affected by This Condition?
Athletes (especially those who need to perform lateral movements) as well as people with a history of ankle sprains are most at risk of being affected by a sprain.
How Does the Chiropractor Diagnose a Sprain?
To diagnose a sprain, the health professional collects information about the patient’s medical history (anamnesis), then conducts a physical examination. For this, it is important that the patient explains the conditions under which the injury occurred. If the injured joint has previously undergone surgery, it is also relevant to mention it.
During this examination, the chiropractor checks the condition of the joint and its available range of motion. They also palpate the ligaments and perform orthopedic tests to determine the injured structure(s).
To confirm the diagnosis and rule out or confirm the presence of a fracture, the professional may complete the evaluation with X-rays. Only after receiving these results does the chiropractor establish a personalized treatment plan.
Chiropractic Treatment of a Sprain
The chiropractor focuses on relieving pain related to the sprain but also on regaining a mobile and stable joint. For this purpose, manual therapy is used to restore the biomechanics of the injured limb. Anatomically, this means doing everything possible to help the joint regain its pain-free range of motion. It is a gradual process that may involve relaxing soft tissues surrounding the joint.
In sprain cases, a period of avoiding sports is commonly recommended, during which the patient should avoid movements that reactivate pain. Total immobilization may also be necessary in case of a fracture. Additionally, certain complementary therapies can be used, such as therapeutic taping for athletes, ultrasound therapy, or laser therapy.
Chiropractic care should also be supplemented at home by the patient, especially by following rest, compression, and elevation procedures for the limb. The professional may advise the patient on how to apply ice to the painful area to reduce inflammation.
Finally, it is important to begin rehabilitation and stretching exercises as soon as possible after treating the injury. Throughout recovery, the patient benefits from professional follow-up to help prevent recurrences.
Chiropractic Treatment of Pain
Beyond ligament injuries, chiropractors can help patients who suffer from pain related to their nervous system, bones, or muscles. Tendinitis, knee pain, and even chronic pain are also taken seriously. Without care, these conditions can worsen and significantly affect the patient’s quality of life. To learn more about the treatments available near you, contact the ChiroRéseau member clinic closest to you.