All of us experience an injury at some time in our lives. The ankle is one of the most common locations for an injury. For many people, they view their injury as an isolated event, and once the pain goes away they believe their injury has been fully rehabilitated. This belief is a COMMON MISCONCEPTION. In reality, the painful sensation is just one component of the injury and recovery process. Other pieces of the process include muscle and bone healing, blood flow return, swelling control, etc. Depending on the injury you experienced, the recommended activity should vary based on many variables in order to align with your goals. Activity recommendations shouldn’t just be made for the time you are rehabbing, but rather instruction should continue for 1-2 YEARS. At Performance Evolution PT, Dr. Gomes works closely with you to offer the greatest detail of insight into your injury so that you can EXCEED EXPECTATIONS.   

Is your old ankle injury affecting your ability to squat, walk/run, play with the kids, or compete? Maybe all of them?

5 Things You Can Do to Prevent A Bad Outcome!

  1. Use the most appropriate assistive – An assistive device is durable medical equipment that is used to aid in helping you move as normally as possible while you rehabilitate. These devices are oftentimes used temporarily but could be recommended for long-term use. You want to view equipment such as crutches, canes, scooters, and walkers as helpful rather than restrictive.
  2. Stay in supportive footwear – Each one of us has individual needs for the right sneaker or shoe. Being evaluated by Dr. Gomes to determine the best fit for your foot and ankle will pay dividends for your success.
  3. Maintain flexibility and mobility – As people recover from injuries both flexibility and mobility are changing based on many factors. LIstening to the recommended stretching guidelines for your muscles and joints is critical for a normal recovery. Stretching should be incorporated for AT LEAST one year depending on the nature of the injury.
  4. Don’t rotate – Alignment is critical in normal walking mechanics. Many times people recovering from an ankle injury will rush their activity progression and “Toe Out,” meaning they turn their foot out to restrict and protect the ankle from movement while they walk. There are many reasons someone could toe out. Many people discover these reasons during their physical therapy evaluation.
  5. Be patient – Your foot and ankle joints are complex and critical to your overall physical health. BE PATIENT after an ankle injury and trust the recovery process.  Take time to understand and implement the correct recommendations. 

Ready to get started?

Depending on insurance, patients may or may not need a referral for physical therapy. However, Massachusetts is a direct access state, meaning patients are free to choose the physical therapist of their choice without a referral. Give us a call today at (781) 859-4189 or request an appointment online.