People who suffer severe ankle sprains may find the pain worse than a fracture and deal with a significantly longer recovery time. These individuals benefit from sessions with a physical therapist in Boca Raton, FL. The therapist designs a customized program for each patient to reduce pain and regain strength and flexibility.
Considerations
An advantage of being a patient at an ankle and foot clinic in Boca Raton, FL is being able to see an orthopedic doctor in addition to having physical therapy. The staff makes a definitive diagnosis and rules out the possibility of a fracture. Then, a course of treatment can be developed and pursued.
Initial Treatment
Physical therapy at an ankle and foot clinic in Boca Raton, FL typically begins when the swelling has gone down, and the patient can walk without experiencing substantial pain. That might be a couple of weeks after the injury occurred. Before this, the initial treatment includes keeping the leg elevated when possible and icing it as directed by the doctor or therapist. Compression with an elastic bandage or other equipment may be advisable.
Time Frame
Recovering from a severe sprain can take several months. Some individuals still experience occasional mild pain a year later, depending on the activities they do. Following the treatment plan of a physical therapist in Boca Raton, FL speeds healing and strengthens the joint. A sprained ankle can have some weakness long after the injury occurs. Strengthening it helps prevent a repeat injury.
Details about Boca Raton Orthopaedic Group are provided at their website.