Watch Your Step - Your Ankles Could Be At Risk
By Sandy Schroeder
If you have ever ended up on crutches with a sprained ankle, you know how quickly you can lose your mobility. One minute I was free to go anywhere at a minute’s notice. The next minute I had to plan everything in advance and often arrived late.
When I got off of the crutches, I celebrated, and vowed I would be more careful in the future.
According to Harvard Health, 9 million people sprain an ankle every year. Accidents, falls, poor balance and poorly fitted shoes are the usual causes. Most of the injuries are easily treated. But if they are not treated properly, they can lead to arthritis and immobility. Also, the person who has had a sprain is the one most likely to have another.
How Chiropractic Can Help
If you have had a sprain, or you are having other foot and ankle symptoms, your chiropractor may be able to help. Or you may just want to get some good preventive advice to avoid ankle or foot injuries.
The foot and ankle are complex structures that absorb all of the body’s weight whenever we move, walk, run or dance. Poorly fitted shoes, previous ankle sprains, or fallen arches can interfere with normal movement.
Your chiropractor may use a spinal adjustment to evaluate your spinal health, along with treatment of the ankle and foot to restore proper motion and enhance healing. You may experience pain relief and an overall wellness. As you evaluate the results, you and your chiropractor can decide what treatment and preventive measures are best for the future.
Preventing Future Injury
Get the right shoe for each job. Make sure all of your shoes are comfortable and well-fitted. If you are walking or running, look for good heel and arch support. Wear boots with good foot and ankle support to walk on uneven ground. Opt for lower heels most of the time, reserving high heels for brief, non-walking events.
Stay active and gently move your ankle with simple routines such as this:
Stand about a foot from the wall. Support yourself with your hands on the wall. Step back with one straight leg and press the heel to the floor. Switch legs and repeat.
The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you can be an invaluable resource. Stop by and see how simple everything is. Affordable care programs eliminate the need for insurance. No appointments are needed, and evening and weekend hours are available.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.