Ankle sprains are one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries across all age groups and one of the most frequently undertreated. The standard advice most patients receive is to rest, ice, compress, and elevate. For a mild sprain that resolves quickly that approach may be sufficient. For moderate to severe sprains, or for patients who keep rolling the same ankle, it is not enough.
The ligaments have been stretched or torn, the joint mechanics have been disrupted, and the proprioceptive system that tells the brain where the ankle is in space has been compromised. Without addressing all of those factors the ankle heals incompletely and the risk of reinjury climbs significantly.
Chronic ankle instability, the pattern of repeated sprains in the same ankle, is almost always the result of an initial injury that was not fully rehabilitated. The ligaments healed with scar tissue, the joint lost some of its normal motion, and the neuromuscular control around the joint was never fully restored. Each subsequent sprain compounds the problem. Breaking that cycle requires more than rest.
At Lagoni Chiropractic, ankle sprains are treated with a focus on restoring full joint mechanics, reducing inflammation efficiently, and rebuilding the strength and neuromuscular control that protect the joint from future injury. Dr. Jay evaluates the ankle alongside the foot, knee, and hip to identify any compensatory patterns that developed as the patient guarded the injured ankle during recovery.
Treatment may include adjustments to the ankle and foot joints to restore normal motion, low-level laser therapy to accelerate tissue healing and reduce inflammation, electric muscle stimulation, therapeutic ultrasound, kinesiotaping for joint support during the recovery and return to activity phases, and a progressive home exercise program targeting range of motion, strength, and balance. For more significant ligament injuries Dr. Jay will coordinate imaging and specialist evaluation when appropriate.
If you have sprained your ankle recently or have been dealing with a history of ankle instability, call us at (765) 778-4095 or fill out the form on our New Patient page.
Serving Pendleton, Anderson, Fortville, Lapel, and the surrounding area. Most major insurance accepted.