Ankle injuries are quite common and can re occur frequently when not treated properly. Along with the ankle being affected, after an ankle injury you may also develop other issues like knee, foot and back pain. What many people don’t realize is that chiropractic care can be very beneficial to help not only your ankle but any other issues that arise due to the ankle injury.

What Causes Ankle Pain

The most common cause of ankle pain is an ankle sprain. Most sprains happen when an ankle is twisted during  walking, running, jumping etc. When a sprain occurs the ankle will very often swell and become bruised. Additionally, the ligaments can be torn and scar tissue will also form.   

Ankle injuries can take a long time to recover. Generally, if it is the first injury to the ankle, you can expect a 4-6 week recovery period and even longer on repeat injuries. If you leave the ankle untreated, you are more likely to have repeat injuries down the road.

What Else Can Be Affected After An Ankle Injury

When you have an ankle injury that is not treated other areas of your body can be affected as well. Most commonly you can expect to possibly experience knee pain, back pain, your arches could collapse, you could have foot pain and more. You may also have joint and ligament issues. Additionally, your ankle may be weak and unstable and not have the range of motion it had prior to your first injury. As you further injure your ankle chances of developing more scar tissue is also high.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

If you have had an injury to your ankle you can greatly benefit from chiropractic care for your ankle and any other areas of your body that have been affected due to the ankle injury. Chiropractors may use a variety of treatment methods including:

• Evaluating whether or not you can benefit from insoles or orthotics. Insoles and orthotics can help to make sure your feet are in alignment which in turn can relieve stress on the knees, back, etc.
• Evaluate and give you exercises that can help to strengthen your ankle which will greatly reduce the chances of a repeat injury.
• Use of Ultrasound therapy. Ultrasound therapy can be used in the ankle area where the injury occurred. Ultrasound therapy gives off high frequency sound waves that send vibrations over the area being treated. It is like receiving a intense micro massage in the injured area. Ultrasound therapy works to increase blood flow to the area, breaks up scar tissue, reduces inflammation and swelling and also will reduce the pain and speed up the heeling process.
• Use of Spinal Adjustments. The chiropractor will more than likely recommend spinal adjustments in a treatment plan. When you injure your ankle more often than not you  will experience pain or discomfort in the spinal area which is caused by spinal subluxations. A spinal adjustment will help to realign the spine and alleviate any back pain.

How Long Will Treatment Last

A treatment plan for an injured ankle is ongoing. Initially you may need to visit the chiropractor several times a week. This might last for a week or two. Your visits will then be further apart. Ongoing maintenance care is usually recommended even after the ankle is completely healed.

Everything Else You Need To Know

While some people are apprehensive about visiting a chiropractor, they should not be. On your first visit you can expect to give a medical history, be examined and most often receive your first treatment. Treatments are gentle and relief can very often begin after just one treatment.

Your Tulsa Chiropractor,

Dr. Ryan Marshall, D.C.

www.MarshallChiropractic.com

Knee and pain are very common problems for people of all ages. Because we utilize our legs and knees for many daily activities as simple as walking, running, and standing up, risks of injury to these areas of the human body are increased. There are also a multitude of activities and incidents that can lead to knee and leg injuries resulting in pain that ranges from minor to chronic and severe.

Causes of Leg and Knee Pain

Any kind of trauma to the leg area can lead to pain in both the knee and the leg. Trauma can result from stepping the wrong way off of a curb or from more serious incidents such as car accidents, falls, and making contact with objects. Additionally there are genetic conditions that can lead to chronic leg and knee pain including weak alignment and diseases. Oftentimes patients will trigger chronic pain in the knee and leg from overuse or overextension.

Since the leg and knee carry a person’s body weight, pain can result when weight issues are a factor. Regular movement can cause overstressed joints and trigger pain. Misaligned bones and joints in the legs and knees can also lead to other painful conditions including swelling and the inability to move properly. When leg and knee disorders lead to inflammation that goes untreated, it can lead to arthritis.

Leg pain is often associated with muscular problems. The ligaments and tendons in the leg can become strained, torn, or sprained, leading to chronic pain and a difficulty in walking. Leg conditions can exacerbate knee conditions, causing more pain.

Treating Knee and Leg Pain

Chiropractic care can be highly beneficial to patients experiencing painful conditions in their legs and knees. It can also be an effective method for healing after injury or surgeries to treat leg and knee pain.

Chiropractic methods including stretching, joint manipulation, and exercises aimed at strengthening the muscles in the knees and the legs. A chiropractor can evaluate the range of motion you have in your leg and track how your knee is aligned during regular walking and running. Stress on the knee joints can be evaluated to determine its impact on activity.

In addition to chiropractic care to heal and eliminate knee and leg pain, it may be recommended that proper therapeutic shoes and footwear be implemented to provide added protection and strengthening benefits during activity. Many times, improper footwear leads to chronic pain and conditions because shoes are not properly supporting the body. Arch support and adequate cushioning are essential parts of promoting strength and stability in the legs and knees.

Early Treatment Critical

When pain is experienced in either the knee or leg or both at the same time, it is critical that the situation is evaluated as soon as possible. Ignoring pain in any part of the body can lead to more painful conditions and chronic issues that take much more intervention than if an early diagnosis was sought.

Early intervention and proper therapy can be instrumental in eliminating pain and correcting issues that can lead to other problems. A chiropractic evaluation and therapy program can reduce the long-term damage one can incur on their knee joints and legs. If many symptoms and conditions remain untreated, pain can be persistent and limitations on activity can arise, potentially putting you off your feet and unable to work or participate in other activities. With proper attention to the first signs of pain, the potential for more serious medical intervention including surgery may be avoided.

 Your Tulsa Chiropractor,

Dr. Ryan Marshall, D.C.

www.MarshallChiropractic.com

Do you or someone you know suffer from migraine headaches? If so there may be a safe and effective solution. Try chiropractic care. Chiropractic adjustments made to the spine are safe and easy. Most patients experience relief immediately after an adjustment has been made to the spine. Chiropractors are trained and educated to administer safe treatment to patients of all ages. To learn more give us a call to schedule your free consultation to see if chiropractic care is right for you. (918) 494-0929.

Your Tulsa Chiropractor,

Dr. Ryan Marshall, D.C.

www.MarshallChiropractic.com