Ankle Fracture: The Chicken Step Theory

A sprained ankle is a serious and painful injury that can significantly affect daily life. During rehabilitation, it is essential for the patient to actively participate in the healing process. Physical therapists, as experts, not only assist during physical treatments but also help patients understand what steps they can take to improve their own condition.

The Importance of Active Participation

During physical therapy, professionals emphasize that the patient must pay attention to movement patterns and load to avoid further injuries. Along with medical guidance, the patience and perseverance of the patient are also crucial in rehabilitation. Developing healthy movement patterns can help reduce pain and accelerate the healing process.

Rehabilitation After Ankle Fracture

Rehabilitation after an ankle fracture is not only about physical recovery but also about mental preparation and mastering correct movement patterns. The support and guidance provided by the physical therapist are extremely important for the patient to safely and effectively continue rehabilitation.

The Basics of Ankle Fracture Rehabilitation

In the rehabilitation of an ankle fracture, physical therapists highlight that the patient can play an active role in recovery. The first step is to reduce pain and swelling, for which the patient should take shorter steps. This approach allows the traumatized leg to be relieved, thereby improving circulation and range of motion.

One particularly important theory that physical therapists often mention is the “chicken step” theory. This approach warns that the angle formed by the back leg and the foot during walking should be less than 90 degrees. This position helps avoid excessive strain on the ankle, which is especially important after a fracture. Due to the shape of the talus, if the angle between the foot and the leg is not appropriate, the ankle joint can be overstretched, complicating the healing process.

The patient must patiently wait for their body to regain its normal load-bearing capacity. The physical therapist must consider the patient’s individual condition and provide the most appropriate advice so that the patient can easily understand and apply it. The exercises performed during physical therapy and the appropriate load assist in rehabilitation, allowing the patient to return to their normal life sooner.

The Phenomenon of Stress Fractures

Stress fractures are injuries that occur as a result of repetitive loading of the bones. These micro-injuries gradually weaken the bone structure and can ultimately lead to partial or complete fractures. Stress fractures occur due to a disruption in bone remodeling, during which bone resorption processes dominate, leading to increased activity of osteoclasts.

These fractures often occur among athletes, where continuous loading and inadequate rest contribute to the overloading of bones. Symptoms of a stress fracture include increasing pain that occurs in response to loading, as well as limited mobility.

During the treatment of stress fractures, rest and proper rehabilitation are important. Physical therapists generally recommend a gradual return to loading, as well as appropriate muscle-strengthening exercises that help strengthen the bones and muscles. During physical therapy, patients learn how to perform movements that reduce the risk of developing stress fractures.

In the case of stress fractures, prevention also plays a key role, as adhering to appropriate training programs and rest periods can help avoid further injuries. The physical therapist plays an important role in ensuring that patients are aware of the risks and know how to protect themselves from stress fractures in the future.