Physical therapy and rehabilitation are prescribed to patients who have suffered a severe injury to a joint or other area that may or may not have required surgical repair. Severe ankle injuries can also be rehabilitated via physical therapy exercises and flexibility stretches. If you are receiving physical therapy for your ankle, you can experience swelling in the affected joint as you continue to exercise and heal.
Causes
There are many possible causes of ankle swelling, including anything from prolonged standing, prolonged exercise, increased age, being overweight or further injury to your affected joint. While being treated in a physical therapy format, your ankle can naturally swell due to any of these factors, especially following long periods of standing or exercise that requires movement of your ankle.
Treatment
Your physical therapist will take precautions to limit the risk of swelling, including adjustments to the treatment process if needed. Ankle swelling can be reduced via icing the affected body part, elevating the body part above the level of your heart or using a therapeutic wrap. Exercises may also be customized or reduced if swelling becomes apparent.
Medications
Joint swelling may also be a side effect associated with many different medications, according to MedlinePlus. Medications such as hormone treatments, steroids, blood pressure medications and antidepressants have been known to cause swelling in your joints, including your ankles. The swelling you are experiencing during therapy may not be related to your injury and more as a result of medication you are taking.
Considerations
If you are experiencing ankle swelling during your therapy treatment plan, speak to your doctor or therapist for information on how to discover the cause. If your swelling is due to reaggravating your injury, you will be best served to halt exercise until the swelling is reduced.
