Physical therapy after a car accident is most likely going to be a necessity. No matter how you feel afterwards, something might pop later on. In this case we are going to be looking at foot injuries and how to treat them after an accident. Car accidents cause a variety of injuries to the feet and surrounding muscles; and if you have ever injured your foot or your ankle, you would know how it impacts your mobility.
PRO Therapy specializes in treating these injuries and, wherever possible, helping patients regain functionality with their feet and ankles.
Common Foot and Ankle Injuries from Car Accidents
Fractures and broken bones are serious injuries that can occur in car accidents. The severity of a fracture can range from a simple crack in the bone to a complete break. Treatment for a fracture often involves immobilization, either with a cast or a brace, to allow the bone to heal properly.
Once the bone has healed though, your body will probably need physical rehabilitation. In the case of a broken foot or ankle, you would need to get help rebuilding the surrounding muscles in your lower leg. You would also need help retraining and stretching your ligaments, in order to help restore full mobility.
Achilles Tendonitis is Another Common Foot Injury
It occurs when the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, becomes inflamed. This condition is often caused by overuse, especially activities like running, jumping, or dancing.
When it comes to car accidents, you have to consider that reaction that forces you to press your legs out straight. Your entire body is jolted at the moment of impact and those tightly flexed tendons can get pulled in abnormal ways. Without getting that checked out, it could lead to inflammation in the tendons and ongoing pain in the foot.
Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis after a Car Accident
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain in the heel of the foot. The pain itself comes from inflammation of the plantar fascia – a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. This condition is often aggravated by activities that involve prolonged standing, walking, or running.
That means if you injured your foot during a motor vehicle accident, you’ll need to avoid standing and walking as much as possible. In most cases, the pain experienced can be enough to force you to come and see one of our physical therapists.
Ankle Sprains Require Physical Therapy after a Car Accident
Ankle sprains are another possible injury that can occur. Sprains are often caused by twisting, rolling, or severe compression on the ankle. When an ankle is sprained during a car accident, the ligaments can get stretched or even torn. This can lead to pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking.
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the recovery process and we can treat ankle sprains here at our clinic. Our physical therapists use a variety of techniques to reduce pain, inflammation, and improve ankle functionality.
Remember to drive safely over the holiday season, and minimize the chance of a car accident. Enjoy the festivities!
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