Lower Leg and Ankle Pain Therapy and Treatment in Toronto and Scarborough
Suffering From Ankle Pain? Toronto Physio Therapy Can Help – Book an Appointment Today!
Lower leg and ankle issues bring millions of people into chiropractic clinics each year. The lower leg, ankle and foot operate as a functional unit. Holding a person’s total body weight when they are standing upright between the lower leg, ankle hinge and foot. This stress is largely amplified when in locomotion or when pressure is transferred between these body areas while moving.
Therefore, the lower leg and ankle can be uniquely affected by traumas that are not traditionally seen in other areas of the body, but can be especially painful. The following will describe some of the most commonly treated injuries which affect the lower leg and ankle.
Conditions Associated With Lower Leg and Ankle Pain
- Ankle Sprain
- Ankle Fracture
- Shin Splints
- Achilles Tendonitis
Ankle Sprain
An ankle sprain is an injury that can happen to anyone, of any age, and at any level of strength. An ankle sprain is typically the result of the ligaments that support the ankle being stretched too far past their limit leading to a tear. A sprain’s severity can vary largely depending on how many ligaments are involved and how much the ligaments are torn.
Some sprains can be treated conservatively with simple rehabilitation exercises, ice and elevation. Although, you should be evaluated to make sure that you do not have a severe ankle sprain or fracture. A persistent or untreated severe sprain can weaken your ankle, increasing the likelihood that you will sustain another injury.
An ankle sprain can remain swollen or painful for some time and you may experience pain with any weight placed on it. It is not recommended to walk with a sprained ankle, but it is possible. When you walk on a sprained ankle, the healing process can be slowed down, increasing your risk of complications.
Your chiropractor will determine when it is an appropriate time to resume typical daily activities. If your symptoms persist despite non-operative treatment, surgery might be required to repair or reconstruct the affected ligament.
Ankle Fracture
Many people mistake ankle fractures for sprains – and, sometimes the injuries can occur together. However, they are pretty different in nature and their treatments are specific.
An ankle fracture is typically caused by the ankle having rolled inward or outward, which can create a partial or a complete break. Ankle fractures can range in severity from being small avulsion injuries (wherein a small piece of bone might have been pulled off and can potentially pierce your skin) to more serious shattering breaks of the tibia, fibula or both.
The route of treatment at our Toronto and Scarborough physiotherapy clinics also varies based on the site and severity of the fracture. Some symptoms that you might be experiencing if you have an ankle fracture may be swelling, bruising, difficulty with walking and a throbbing pain.
Shin Splints
Have you been experiencing pain following running or any other high impact activity? This is a key sign of shin splints. Shin splints are pain felt on the inner part of the shinbone and they are caused by inflammation of the muscles, tendons and bone tissue.
Traditionally, the pain is felt most in the lower leg between the knee and ankle. Fortunately, shin splints are not serious and there are a variety of treatments that can reduce the pain and aid in recovery. It is recommended that you rest and avoid activity for a minimum of two weeks, icing can also help and once returning to physical activity, you should go slower for a more limited duration.
Proper shoes with good support can also help and orthotics might be suited for you. If you continue to experience a persistent pain after resting and icing the area you may wish to take an x-ray and have a chiropractic assessment done at one of our Toronto or Scarborough based clinics.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is typically referred to as an “overuse” disorder, since it is traditionally caused by an inflammation of the achilles tendon due to repeated use. It can also occur due a sudden increase in a specific activity. Your Achilles tendon is a fibrous band of tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel. It carries a great amount of stress and pressure during the day.
Thus, when pain occurs it can be frustrating as the swollen and/ or inflamed area may limit your mobility. This pain is described by many as occurring in the back of the lower leg and in some cases, it may also result in a thickening or hardening of the area. It is known that this disorder can get progressively worse if left untreated.
Proper treatment includes chiropractic care, physiotherapy and massage therapy, in addition to shockwave therapy and laser therapy at one of our Toronto or Scarborough injury rehabilitation clinics. It is vital that this area is both flexible and strong as it allows you to jump, run, and walk.
Note: If you hear a “pop” that sounds like it came from your calf or heel area you may have ruptured the tendon fibers and you may be experiencing a medical emergency in which case you should seek immediate medical care.
Book a Consultation Today!
Are you looking for lower leg or ankle pain treatment in Midtown Toronto or Scarborough? Our injury rehabilitation clinics are conveniently located at Bloor & Dufferin in Toronto or Eglinton & Kennedy Rd in Scarborough.
At Toronto Physio Therapy, we offer physiotherapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture, and other injury rehabilitation services that are covered by your health insurance.
