Studies show that ten percent of emergency department visits can be attributed to ankle injuries. The vast majority of these injuries are sprains. Standard treatment for acute ankle sprains is commonly known as RIcE therapy. Patients are told to rest and ice the ankle for twenty minutes at a time. The ankle is then wrapped in compression bandages and elevated. Jones compression dressing involves using alternating layers of elastic bandages and compression bandages. Ibuprofen is often prescribed to ease pain. If the patient has a history of intolerance to aspirin, acetaminophen is prescribed as a substitute.
RIcE therapy has been proven effective but it does nothing to prevent future ankle injuries. The RIcE technique is used as damage control for the initial injury but, further treatment must be done to prevent future damage. Future injury prevention is important because it is estimated that 25% to 40% of ankle sprains are recurrent injuries. If the original injury is improperly treated, it is likely the patient will suffer from future injury and increased disability. Osteopathic manipulative treatment, or OMT, may be the much needed solution.
The purpose of this treatment is to focus on the patient‚s unique needs. The specific treatment given to each patient varies from person to person. It is the osteopathic physician‚s job to examine the patient‚s injury and decide which soft tissue techniques would be best suited for the job. There are several soft tissue techniques osteopaths can use to manage ankle injuries. The average session lasts for 10-20 minutes. Studies show that OMT sessions do reduce ankle injury pain and many patients experience improved range of motion as well.
There are several soft tissue techniques. By analyzing the relation of the bones, from the ankle to the toe, the osteopath can pinpoint which areas require the most attention. This system ensures that the patient receives treatment that is most beneficial. There are a number of other techniques to treat ankle injury. Physicians can also use muscle energy and strain/counter-strain techniques. Lymphatic drainage is also a very effective was of reducing pain. Fluid around the joints increases pain and decreases mobility.
Ankle sprains are serious injuries that require proper treatment. clinicians strive to ensure proper function of the ankle, increase the range of motion, and reduce the amount of fluid that builds up around the joint. Brief OMT sessions reduce swelling and decrease the level of pain. Even a single OMT treatment in the emergency department can dramatically improve acute ankle injury recovery.
clearly, ankle injury is a serious problem. Untreated injuries can lead to improper healing and permanent disability. Fortunately, treatment can be easily received. RIcE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) therapy and osteopath sessions will reduce pain and make for a speedy recovery. Proper care can also prevent future ankle damage.
The content of this page is informed by feedback from osteopathic practitioners in Middlesex and also practices in Exeter. Further input was received from clinics in Luton and osteopaths in the Bromley area. Finally a contribution was made by a practitioner in Cambridge.