The ankles have to take your weight with every step you run. This might not seem like a problem, but it could turn into one if you’re feeling ankle pain while running.
Unfortunately, you’re likely to experience ankle pain before, during or after a run; up to nearly 17% of all running injuries occur in the ankles. There are many issues that can cause ankle pain while you’re running, but you may need professional help to identify the issue that’s causing your pain.
Physical therapists can diagnose the source of your ankle pain, and these specialists also offer treatment that can be effective for ankle issues and the pain they cause.
Issues that commonly cause ankle pain while running
Sources of ankle pain are numerous, but your therapist can help you figure out which issue is causing your pain. They’ll do this by comprehensively evaluating your painful ankle, leg and foot. Such an evaluation may include movement tests. It could also involve answering questions about your medical history and daily routine.
A few ankle issues that your evaluation may uncover include:
- Sprained ankle ligaments
- Running gait issues
- Achilles tendinitis
- Ankle osteoarthritis
- Ankle bursitis
What techniques can your physical therapist use to treat your ankle pain?
Your therapist can offer many techniques to treat your ankle pain and help keep it away while you’re running. Typically, the chosen techniques are combined into a unique therapy plan. Some of the therapy methods your therapist may include in your plan are:
- Running gait training focused on improving how your lower limbs move when you run.
- Therapeutic exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles that support your ankle.
- Joint mobilization to increase mobility and range of motion in the affected ankle.
- Dry needling that can release knots in lower leg soft tissue that are restricting ankle movement and causing pain.
Turn to Peak Performance for help with ankle pain
You don’t have to continue feeling ankle pain while you’re running; our Peak Performance team can help you find effective treatment for your pain. We offer free screenings designed to pinpoint the issue that’s causing your ankle aches. You’ll also find that our physical therapists are adept at building therapy plans intended to reduce and prevent ankle pain.
Does your ankle hurt too much to leave home? That’s OK! Our specialists can use our virtual therapy service to help you get therapy right from your own home.
Contact us today for more information about our ankle treatment options or to schedule an initial appointment.
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