20/11/2024
**💥 Ankle Sprains: Not Just a “Walk It Off” Situation 💥**
Let’s talk ankles—those unsung heroes holding us up. Unfortunately, they’re also the most sprainable (totally a word) joints in the body. About 70-80% of ankle sprains are lateral sprains (rolling your ankle outwards), and up to 40% of these don’t heal properly without targeted care—leading to chronic pain or instability. Fun times, right?
💡 **The Latest Research:**
- A 2023 study highlights that progressive rehabilitation exercises (hello, balance boards!) significantly improve outcomes and reduce re-sprain risk by up to 50%. So, if you’re just icing and hoping, you’re doing half the job.
- Bracing vs. Taping? Bracing has been shown to reduce the chance of re-injury, but neither replaces proper rehab (put down the duct tape, Steve).
- Did you know? Not treating ankle sprains properly can increase your risk of osteoarthritis. That’s the kind of “old man shuffle” we’re trying to avoid.
**Here’s What to Do:**
1️⃣ Calm the chaos: **R.I.C.E.** (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) still works in the first 48 hours. Newer advice suggests using PEACE & LOVE (another post on this later, but basically they’re acronyms to remind us to avoid painful stuff, gradually load it, keep up your fitness and use compression).
2️⃣ Don’t stop moving! Early, pain-free mobility exercises can jumpstart recovery.
3️⃣ See a physio (like us!) to guide you through the full rehab process and build bulletproof ankles for the future. (*Ahem* cannot guarantee actual ‘bulletproofness’ from real life bullets though).
👉 We’ve got the tools, the evidence-based know-how, and the slightly inappropriate jokes to get you back on track. Don’t let that ankle sprain bench you permanently—get it sorted!
📞 Slide into our DM’s, call or just book online at www.thephysiobunker.com.au. Because strong ankles = feeling your best and being your best.
