Your ankles play a vital role in almost every movement you make whether walking, running, jumping, or even standing. They provide support, balance, and mobility, making them one of the most important, yet vulnerable, joints in the body.
Because of their structure and constant use, ankle injuries are incredibly common, whether you’re an athlete, an active professional, or simply moving about your day. Even a minor misstep can lead to pain, swelling, and limited mobility that affects your daily routine.
At Next Level Physical Therapy in Santa Clarita, we frequently see patients recovering from ankle injuries of all types. Understanding the most common ankle injuries and how physical therapy can help is key to preventing long-term issues and getting back to full strength safely.
The Five Most Common Ankle Injuries
Ankle injuries can range from mild strains to complex fractures. Identifying which type you’re dealing with is the first step toward recovery. Here are five of the most common ankle injuries we treat:
- Ankle Sprains: The most frequent type of ankle injury, sprains occur when ligaments stretch or tear, often from twisting or rolling the ankle. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight.
- Achilles Tendonitis: Caused by overuse or tight calf muscles, this condition leads to inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects your calf muscles to your heel. It’s common among runners and athletes who make repetitive movements.
- Ankle Fractures: A break in one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint. Fractures may result from falls, direct impact, or severe twisting injuries.
- Chronic Ankle Instability: Often the result of repeated sprains, this condition causes the ankle to feel weak or unstable, especially on uneven surfaces.
- Peroneal Tendon Injuries: These occur when the tendons along the outside of the ankle become irritated, inflamed, or torn, usually from overuse or sudden trauma.
Each of these injuries requires a different approach to healing, which is why personalized assessment and treatment are essential.
How Physical Therapy Helps Heal and Strengthen Ankle Injuries
Physical therapy plays a vital role in both recovery and prevention. At Next Level Physical Therapy, our team focuses on identifying the underlying cause of your injury and guiding you through a structured plan that restores stability, strength, and confidence.
Here’s how physical therapy can help you recover from ankle injuries:
- Detailed Evaluation: Your physical therapist will assess your range of motion, swelling, balance, and gait to determine the severity of the injury. This helps create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
- Manual Therapy Techniques: Hands-on methods such as joint mobilization, massage, and stretching help reduce stiffness, improve circulation, and promote healing.
- Targeted Strengthening Exercises: Rebuilding the muscles around your ankle and lower leg provides the stability needed to prevent future sprains or strains.
- Balance and Proprioception Training: These exercises help retrain your body’s sense of position and movement, which is critical after an ankle injury.
- Gait and Movement Re-education: Your therapist will help you relearn proper walking or running patterns to ensure full recovery and prevent re-injury.
Recovery timelines vary depending on the injury, but consistent therapy often leads to significant improvement in both comfort and function within a few weeks.
When to Seek Physical Therapy for Persistent Ankle Pain or Instability
If you experience persistent ankle pain, swelling, or instability that doesn’t improve after a few days, it’s important to seek a professional evaluation. Early intervention can prevent chronic issues such as recurring sprains or long-term stiffness.
Common signs you should visit a physical therapist include:
- Pain that worsens with activity or limits mobility
- A feeling that your ankle might “give out” unexpectedly
- Swelling or bruising that hasn’t improved with rest and ice
- Difficulty walking or performing daily activities
Ignoring an ankle injury can throw off your body’s alignment, causing pain in your knees, hips, or lower back.
Start Your Recovery: Contact Next Level Physical Therapy
If you’ve suffered an ankle injury, don’t wait to get the help you need. The expert team at Next Level Physical Therapy in Santa Clarita provides individualized care designed to relieve pain, restore movement, and strengthen your ankle for lasting results.
Our specialists combine evidence-based physical therapy with hands-on techniques and customized performance programs to help you move better and feel your best.
Call us today at (661) 383-9828 or visit us online to schedule your appointment.
Our clinics are conveniently located at:
23206 Lyons Ave, Suite 105, Santa Clarita, CA 91321
and
17866 Sierra Hwy, Suite 101, Santa Clarita, CA 91351
At Next Level Physical Therapy, we’ll help you get back on your feet.
