Marilyn Said:

Physical therapy for 2 ruptured ligaments in ankle?

We Answered:

It could work wonders.
You're right, ankle sprains rarely need surgery, even yours (a grade III).
Typically you should be put into a cast immobilization for about 2 or 3 weeks, then start the physical therapy. The sooner the better, so it does not become chronic, since this is the first time you've had this type of injury.

Elmer Said:

Has anyone gone to physical therapy for a ankle sprain? if so what did you do?

We Answered:

Yes you do R.I.C.E., but you do exercises such as moving your ankle with resistance (elastic bands), balancing on the floor, moving up to a cushion or mat, and they may do some ultrasound (don't worry, you don't feel much of anything). Also, when I did my P.T., instead of just putting a bag of ice on, they used little paper cups of ice and rubbed that on there... talk about intense! Some PT's may also use heat/cold therapy as well.

Johnnie Said:

Physical Therapy Ankle?

We Answered:

Yes, absolutely it's normal.

All your muscles have shrunken (atrophied) because you haven't been using them. Now, you need to build them up again. First step is to stretch out the fibers and break down scar tissue that are not running in the right direction. At the same time, the stretching will increase your range of motion (ROM). Next, you have to teach the muscle to contract again (you'll probably do exercises where you just contract and relax your muscles). Then you start building strength, and continue to increase your ROM. Yes, you will have to "learn to walk" again.. but it should be easy.. just like the first time you learned. =]

The pain you feel is a combination of your scar tissue breaking up, muscles stretching, and muscles being sore from the workout. You'll feel it on your inside arch, outside arch, below and behind the inside of your ankle bone, below and behind the outside of your ankle bone, and above your heel. Basically anywhere where you have muscles or tendons. You'll be fine though.. just keep working at it.

Keep at it! Good luck!

Dana Said:

physical therapy excercises for ankle after open reduction repair of fracture?

We Answered:

Karen, here is the problem. You don't state what was fractured and what was done in the open reduction. The open reduction is associated with hardware being placed in the ankle but where and what is important. The ankle is most likely stiff and still at least somewhat swollen and that will require some work. All that I can give to you is some very generic exercises without specific information. Always start the exercises on your good side and not the injured as the results will be significantly better when done this way. Sit in a straight chair and roll the outer edge of the good foot out as far as possible and as hard as possible for 30 seconds and then rest it for 15 seconds. Repeat this twice more and then do the injured foot the same way 3 times. Next starting with the good foot roll the inner edge of the foot in and up as much as possible for 30 seconds and then rest for 15 seconds. Repeat this twice more and then do the same movements on the injured foot exactly the same way 3 times. From a long sitting position using the good ankle have the muscles of the foot pull the front of the foot up towards the shin as hard as you can for 30 seconds and then rest for 15 seconds. The only movement that occurs here is at the ankle and you will know that it is working as there will be a pulling in the calf. Repeat this twice more and then do the injured ankle exactly the same way 3 times. Lastly, starting with the good foot have the front of the foot push down as hard as possible for 30 seconds and then rest for 15 seconds. Repeat this twice more and then do the same movements on the injured foot exactly the same way 3 times. You should also be doing proprioceptive exercises but these should be done with professional supervision until you have the hang of them. The movements given to you should be done at least twice a day and realistically more than that to improve function as quickly as possible.