3 ways virtual PT can help you rehab a sprained ankle vs. a broken ankle

An ankle sprain is a condition that occurs when the ligaments that are attached to the bone in the ankle tear or stretch beyond their normal limits. It’s usually caused by a movement that forces the ankle to twist abnormally.

A broken ankle is a condition that occurs when the bone in the ankle fractures. It can be caused by repetitive stress, too much pressure on the bone, or twisting abnormally.

It’s easy to confuse the two. However, in the following sections, you can learn how your PT specialist might distinguish the symptoms caused by a sprained ankle vs. a broken ankle. Then, you’ll learn how they might subsequently treat these conditions.

What are the symptoms of ankle sprains?

There are a few different symptoms that could become present in someone who has sprained their ankle. These might include swelling, pain on the inside of the ankle, pain when walking, and tenderness when pressure is applied to the ankle. Some people experience visible bruising, ankle instability, and limited range of motion in the ankle.

What are the symptoms of broken ankles?

There are symptoms of broken ankles which may appear similar to those of ankle sprains. The symptoms of broken ankles include swelling, and pain that throbs and occurs immediately after the bone becomes broken. It also involves tenderness to the touch and pain when walking. However, when someone breaks their ankle, there can sometimes be a deformity under the skin that isn’t typical in ankle sprains.

What treatment methods can a virtual PT specialist use to address these injuries?

Virtual physical therapy can be used to address ankle issues, whether they be caused by an ankle sprain or a broken ankle. Take a look at some of the treatment methods below that can address both of these kinds of injuries during a virtual physical therapy session.

• Strengthening and stretching exercises — One of the treatment methods a virtual PT specialist can use to address both sprained ankles and broken ankles is strengthening and stretching exercises. These exercises can be implemented as part of an intentional exercise program.
• Retraining gait and balance — Another treatment method a virtual PT specialist might use to treat a sprained ankle or a broken ankle is gait and balance retraining. When a patient’s ankle becomes sprained or broken it may impact the way they walk and the muscles, ligaments, and joints involved in walking.
• Wearing splints or casts — Wearing splints or casts could be a treatment method suggested for those who have ankle sprains or ankle breaks. A virtual PT specialist can determine whether they think your condition would benefit from a splint or other assistive device to keep your injury immobile.

Why choose Agile Virtual Physical Therapy to treat a sprained ankle or broken ankle?

We understand that going to regular in-person physical therapy sessions can be a serious time commitment. When you consider the time it takes to drive to and from your sessions, the length of the sessions themselves, and other related factors, in-person PT can become challenging. Fortunately, having access to the care you need doesn’t have to be. 

You may not feel up to going to in-person physical therapy if you’re dealing with an ankle sprain or break, or you may not have a reliable source of transportation. Virtual physical therapy is a time-efficient and effective treatment option for those who struggle to manage their pain from an ankle injury. We know that when you’re dealing with an ankle sprain or an ankle break, it can be hard to make regular appointments in a clinic. Virtual PT can be done from the convenience of your own home. It requires nothing other than a stable internet connection and a device with a video camera. You’ll be able to meet with a qualified physical therapy professional who can lead you through each session at home. You can get the right treatment for your ankle without sacrificing any time outside of your session. The at-home care you need for your ankle condition is just a click away.

Agile Virtual Physical Therapy offers more than 400 licensed clinicians. We’re committed to providing effective PT care through our telehealth platform. At Agile Virtual PT, we provide services in 45 U.S. states and free virtual screenings. 

At Agile Virtual Physical Therapy, we have experienced professionals who are qualified to create a personalized plan with you containing at-home physical therapy exercises customized for your age and fitness level.Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment to get started treating your ankle pain, whether it be due to a sprained ankle or an ankle break.