Can An Old Ankle Injury Cause Problems Years Later? Here’s What To Know

How Can an Old Ankle Injury Cause Long-Term Problems?

Chronic ankle pain often stems from unresolved inflammation, scar tissue, or improper healing after an injury. Ligament damage, if not fully rehabilitated, can result in ongoing discomfort in swollen ankles and make the joint prone to weakness, repeated rolling, and sprains, increasing the risk of further complications during activities like walking or running, which results in chronic instability. These are the causes of swollen ankles. 

Post-traumatic arthritis is another common consequence, where damage to cartilage during the initial injury causes wear and tear over time, resulting in stiffness, swelling, and pain similar to osteoarthritis. In some cases, nerve damage may result in persistent tingling, numbness, or pain in the ankle or foot, which may worsen over time.

How Physiotherapy Can Help with Post Ankle Injury 

Ankle pain physiotherapy in Spruce Grove helps address the long-term effects of old injuries. Here’s how we can help:

Managing Chronic Pain from Old Ankle Injuries

Old ankle injuries often cause persistent pain, such as post-traumatic arthritis or scar tissue buildup, making recovery challenging. Physiotherapy is vital in managing this chronic discomfort, using techniques like heat or cold therapy to reduce inflammation and ultrasound therapy for deep tissue pain relief. 

Ankle pumps with elevation are a simple yet effective exercise to improve blood circulation, reduce swelling, and prevent stiffness, providing much-needed relief. To perform ankle pumps, lie on your back with your leg elevated on a pillow and flex your foot upward and downward in a controlled motion, repeating 10-15 times for 2-3 sets daily.

Restoring Mobility Through Manual Therapy

Stiffness and limited mobility are joint after untreated ankle injuries. Manual therapy, such as passive ankle mobilization, helps restore joint flexibility and reduces scar tissue buildup. This involves controlled movements of the ankle, performed by a physiotherapist, to improve the range of motion.

For example, gently moving the foot upward (dorsiflexion) and downward (plantarflexion) can break down adhesions and improve mobility. Additionally, gait retraining is essential for correcting movement patterns disrupted by chronic ankle pain. Heel-to-toe walking, for instance, helps realign the ankle and prevent strain on other joints, ensuring proper mechanics.

Shockwave Therapy for Persistent Scar Tissue

Shockwave therapy is another effective treatment for addressing stubborn scar tissue that limits movement. This therapy uses acoustic waves to break down dense tissue, stimulate blood flow, and promote healing, which is particularly beneficial for addressing scar tissue formed after old injuries. It’s non-invasive and performed over multiple sessions, providing significant pain relief and improving mobility.

Grab Strengthening with Resistance Training

Resistance training is recommended to strengthen the ankle and prevent future injuries. Simple exercises like resisted dorsiflexion looping a resistance band around the foot help engage the muscles, improving control and stability. Strengthening the tibialis anterior muscle and other surrounding muscles enhances ankle stability and reduces re-injury likelihood. Incorporating progressive loading with weight-bearing exercises, such as step-ups or calf raises, ensures long-term resilience and improved functionality.

Joint Stabilization Techniques for Chronic Ankle Injury 

Old ankle injuries can also lead to chronic instability, increasing the risk of sprains. Joint stabilization techniques, such as wobble board training, help reinforce the muscles and ligaments around the ankle, enhancing dynamic stability. This exercise involves shifting weight on a wobble board to improve balance and strengthen stabilizing muscles, reducing the risk of future injury. For more advanced training, try standing on one foot for added difficulty, which challenges the ankle’s ability to stabilize in dynamic conditions.

Functional Mobility Training for Daily Activities

Lastly, functional mobility exercises like step-downs are essential for restoring ankle function in everyday activities. These exercises mimic real-life movements, such as stair descent, rebuilding strength and control to improve your ability to move freely without discomfort. To perform step-downs, stand on a low step or platform with one foot and lower the other toward the ground while maintaining balance. Perform about 2-3 sets of 10 repetitions per leg to restore your ability to perform daily tasks, such as climbing stairs or squatting, without pain or limitation.

If you’re experiencing discomfort from old ankle injuries, don’t wait—consult with a physiotherapist to start your recovery journey today.

Preventing Future Issues

Even if your ankle feels fine now, taking proactive steps helps minimize the risk of problems later:

• Avoid High-Impact Activities: Engaging in high-impact activities too soon after an old injury can worsen underlying issues. Low-impact exercises like cycling are safer alternatives that promote healing without risking reinjury.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Extra weight stresses an injured ankle, leading to further wear and tear. Maintaining a healthy weight through a diet helps protect your ankle from future strain.
• Wear Supportive Footwear: Proper footwear is essential for protecting an injured ankle. Pairing supportive shoes helps improve ankle stability, reducing the risk of reinjury or overuse.

Why Choose Sunrise Physical Therapy Clinic?

At Sunrise Physical Therapy Clinic, we understand how frustrating it can be to deal with discomfort years after an ankle injury. Our team is dedicated to helping you get back on your feet—pain-free and confident through ankle pain physiotherapy in Spruce Grove. Don’t let an old ankle injury hold you back. Whether you’re experiencing pain, stiffness, or instability, Sunrise Physical Therapy Clinic is here to help. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward a healthier, stronger you.