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Ankle Sprains: A Case Study

With icy sidewalks and streets, falls during the winter can become more prominent. One injury that can occur is ankle sprains.  Have you ever sprained your ankle before? Wondering if you should seek physiotherapy? Lets look at a case history of one example of an ankle sprain and what physiotherapy may involve…

Ankle Sprain: Case Study

A 35 year old woman attends the clinic after she was walking her dogs outdoors when they lunged suddenly, causing her to slip on some ice. She fell, rolling her right ankle to the side and was able to get back up and weight bear through her injured ankle, although limping back home. Her ankle was pretty sore with some noticeable swelling so she went to see her family physician the following day. X-rays were taken of the ankle and she was advised she did not have a fracture, but rather sprained her ankle. She was recommended to rest the ankle for the next 3 days and to limit her weight bearing as tolerated using a lace up brace. She was also prescribed anti-inflammatories and referred to physiotherapy.

Dance Ankles and Feet

For the assessment she was weight bearing with a lace up ankle brace. The ankle was noted as still sore but improving.

Some mild swelling over the lateral ankle and some tenderness to touch over the ankle ligaments were noted. With in-clinic testing it was determined she was dealing with a moderate ankle sprain. She was prescribed some basic neuroproprioceptive and gentle strengthening exercises. These early phase exercises set the base foundation for return to regular activity and sports and she was eager to get back to her regular routine with her dogs.

The client was seen for 6 further follow ups over the next 3 months.  During this time she was provided with some manual therapy techniques to the ankle. She was also given a progressive home exercise program which included progressive strengthening, balance and proprioceptive training. The client noted full resolution of symptoms at the conclusion of her treatment and return to her activities which included walking her dogs and her dance class.

Often people find that their ankle will feel “good enough” part way through rehabilitation but ensuring that all systems are truly “go” will help prevent a recurring injury from incomplete rehab programming.

What is the current evidence for acute lateral ankle sprains and the role of physical therapy?

If required a short period of immobilization may be used, however exercise and a functional support (either bracing or taping) is recommended over immobilization. Clinical practice guidelines support the inclusion of an active exercise rehab program following an acute lateral ankle sprain as soon as possible to help prevent recurrent lateral ankle sprains. 1

It is commonly misunderstood that someone must wait a certain period of time before attending physiotherapy, however, keep in mind that physiotherapists can assess injuries right from the moment of impact; just like when an athlete becomes injured. Coming for an appointment early in healing can give you the right tools to start with immediately. Alternatively, the body is capable of healing and change even after extended periods of time so it is also never too late to start.

If you have unfortunately sustained an ankle injury, we at Warman Physiotherapy and Wellness have trained physiotherapists who can offer a progressive rehabilitation program to help you on the road to recovery and return you to your activities/sport!

 

References:

  1. Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of ankle sprains: update of an evidence-based clinical guideline. BJSM. Volume 52, Issue 15. August 2018. Gwendolyn Vuurberg, et. al.
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2020! A Year of Change

Is anyone else really looking forward to all the bad ‘dad’ jokes about eye sight that will be part of 2020? As we reflect on 2019, both personally and professionally, we try to bring forward our lessons learned into the New Year and set some new goals.

“You cannot change anyone, but you can be the reason someone changes.”
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

There are many ideas and thoughts about change that can result in so many various feelings, excitement and sorrow, elation and defeat. The perspective with which we see change, and how these quotes resonate (or don’t) with us is key. At Warman Physio we are striving to hold excitement, wonder, hope and joy in the changing seasons.

As such, we are celebrating a change in year, starting a new calendar, setting fresh goals and a feeling of starting new with an optimism of new beginnings. This year at Warman Physio we want to let our clients know:

  1. We are going to continue to advocate for our clients through our collaborative relationships within the community, as well as through continued education of our providers
  2. Providing our family friendly atmosphere, supporting in particular new and expecting mothers, is not going anywhere!
  3. We will continue to strive to provide personable, comprehensive, compassionate care to each and every client that comes through our doors
  4. Warman Physio – Saskatoon will continue to grow over the next year to provide improved access to those that are unable to make the trek out to Warman

These core values will not change. To help hold steady the trust and understanding we share within our clients and the community. We find that often the New Year will also bring change. Change happens whether we want it to or not, so we choose to be prepared for the opportunities that change will bring. This year we have a couple changes that will be heading your way.

New Disciplines

Warman Physio is proud to be a multidisciplinary clinic in both Warman, and Saskatoon. It is fun to reflect on where we started in 2014 in Warman, with a single Massage Therapist and Physiotherapist, as this is our starting point in Saskatoon!

The Warman location has now grown to include: 4 physiotherapists, 2 massage therapists, an occupational therapist, and a registered dietitian on staff.

Our Dietitian, Heather Tulloch, is our newest staff member and discipline to the clinic! She is looking forward to providing this much needed service in Warman, as there currently are no RD services in the city!

Change

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
― Margaret Mead

We continue to think of ways in which we can assist our community to build relationships, and provide necessary services. We hear you, our clients and the residents of the communities we are in, when you say you want to be supported, to have your providers actually listen to and hear you, to understand what you are going through. It is our top priority to help our clients, help themselves through individual treatment and value through the content on our sites. We are committed to being authentic, vulnerable and real as a company; and we hope to bring more of this to you, our clients throughout the coming years.

Leave

Haylie will be taking a step away from clients to start of the New Year. She writes:

This is a difficult decision to make but I feel it is the right one. The team of therapists at the two clinics can provide outstanding care and support to all of our clients, and it will give me the opportunity to work on the clinic. I am always looking for ways to ensure the best client experience, and taking a step back from clients and dive into working on efficiency now at this pivotal moment is going to allow us to be positioned for long-term success. You’re going to see me around as I’m working on Warman Physio from a new angle.

Here is to 2020 and all the new and exciting changes it will bring!

 

 

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