Ankles support the entire weight of the body while standing or walking; however, these joints are also most susceptible to injuries in an auto accident. Trauma to the ankle is possible from the foot slipping from the pedal or from direct impact to this region during the accident. When the ankle is injured, the most common problems are strains, sprains, and fractures.
In case of strain or sprain, after an auto accident, it is important to consult Wirth Chiropractic in Greenville, NC to pick up the right treatment and ensure quick recovery. If you leave an ankle injury unattended or provide the wrong treatment, it can result in long-term problems and cause chronic instability.
Possible Ankle Injury Results
A strain is the most common ankle injury, where there is soft tissue damage to the ligaments, tendons, and muscles of the joint. A strain is caused when there is forcible overstretching or contraction in response to the accident trauma. When the foot slips from the car’s pedal during an accident, it can be twisted, where an abnormal amount of stretching force is applied to the joint. Symptoms of acute strain of ankle muscle could include swelling, muscle spasms, pain, bruising, limited range of ankle motion, and loss of joint strength.
Finding a Treatment Methodology
During the examination, Wirth Chiropractic in Greenville, NC will be able to diagnose the severity of the ankle strain. If there is minimal swelling, the strain is considered mild. Ankle strain is considered moderate to severe; when there is partial or complete tear of a muscle or muscle group in the ankle.
Sprains on the other hand are acute injuries where the trauma has caused overstretching. Sprains mainly affect the ligaments in the ankle. The severity of the strain will depend whether the trauma has cause a mild stretching or a complete ligament tear. Sprains can be due to an impact to the joint from an outside force, which displaces the joint’s alignment. Common symptoms of a sprain are instability, swelling, bruising, and it becomes painful to move the joint even slightly.
Waiting for Treatment may Invite a Physical Risk
In a mild ankle sprain there is minor hemorrhaging of the capsular fluids. In moderate to severe sprains, the ligaments are torn, and there is quite a bit of swelling. If moderate to severe sprains are not treated in a timely and correct manner there are much more chances of re-occurrence. Therefore, after an auto accident consult Wirth Chiropractic in Greenville, NC, for quick recovery and reducing the chances of long term issues.