Ankle Sprains and Instability
Personalized care to relieve ankle pain, restore stability, and help you move with confidence again.
San Tan Physical Therapy provides hands-on, customized care for ankle and foot conditions in Queen Creek.
Understanding Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are common injuries that usually occur when the foot is forcefully inverted, or turned inward. This can damage the outer ligament complex of the ankle, including the anterior talofibular ligament and, less often, the calcaneofibular ligaments.
Sprains are classified by severity. A grade I sprain involves a minor ligament tear and may cause pain, swelling, and mild loss of function. A grade II sprain is a partial tear that can cause moderate to severe pain, swelling, bruising, and significant difficulty walking. A grade III sprain is a complete tear of the ligament or joint capsule and is associated with severe pain, swelling, bruising, and loss of function.
Common signs of an ankle sprain include pain on the outside of the ankle, swelling, and a sense that the ankle may give way. Stress X-rays may be helpful in ruling out a fracture. Surgery is generally only necessary when the ankle is repeatedly sprained.
Your Recovery, Built Around You
Early rehabilitation can support a rapid recovery after an ankle injury. Our care plans are customized following a thorough biomechanical evaluation and are designed to address pain, mobility, strength, walking, balance, and confidence.
Protect Painful Tissues
Acute care may include rest, ice, compression, elevation, and bracing of the injured ankle. Pain-relieving modalities such as ice, heat, or electrical stimulation may also be part of your plan.
Restore Mobility & Walking
Care may include ankle active and passive range-of-motion work, joint mobilization to decrease stiffness, gentle hands-on techniques, targeted stretching, and walking retraining.
Build Lasting Stability
Progressive strengthening, proprioception exercises, balance training, and functional activities help improve ankle control and decrease the risk of another sprain.
What Physical Therapy Can Help You Achieve
For ankle sprains and instability, treatment may focus on the goals that matter most for returning to daily activities, recreation, and sport:
- Improve balance and proprioception
- Improve your ability to bear weight and stand on the affected leg
- Improve ankle range of motion, strength, and power
- Optimize joint alignment and walking mechanics
- Improve tolerance for prolonged activities
- Build confidence and reduce the risk of recurrence
- Learn independent strategies for self-care of symptoms
Depending on your needs, shoe insert or orthotic recommendations may be considered as part of your care.
Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Personalized evaluation and treatment for muscle and joint conditions affecting movement.
Therapeutic Exercise
Progressive exercise can help restore strength, flexibility, endurance, and functional movement.
Foot Orthotics
Foot support recommendations may be useful when footwear or biomechanics are contributing to ankle and foot symptoms.
Take the Next Step Toward Steadier Movement
You do not need a physician referral to get started. San Tan Physical Therapy offers one-on-one evaluation and personalized care to help you recover strength, mobility, and confidence.
Call (480) 677-2771 or request an appointment today.