The ankle joint is the most active and weight-bearing joint in the human body. During activities such as walking, running, and climbing stairs, sudden missteps can easily result in excessive inward rotation of the ankle joint, causing damage to the lateral collateral ligament. So, can ankle sprains be massaged?
Can ankle sprains be massaged?
Ankle sprains can be moderately massaged.
Moderate massage of relevant acupoints or areas can help promote blood circulation, reduce swelling, and alleviate pain. Since ankle sprains are a type of external injury, swelling and pain may occur after the injury, and even bruising and local blood stasis. Therefore, massage can be beneficial.
Key points for diagnosing ankle sprains
Significant history of trauma (more commonly inward sprains), obvious swelling in the front lower part of the outer ankle, obvious tenderness in the front lower part of the outer ankle and ankle tip, exacerbation of pain with passive movement of the ankle joint, severe pain with inward rotation movement, X-ray examination has certain diagnostic value.
Massage treatment methods for ankle sprains
Treatment principle: Relax tendons, promote blood circulation, eliminate stasis, and relieve pain.
Acupoints: Jiexi, Kunlun, Shangqiu, Jinggu, Qiuxu, Zusanli, Yanglingquan, and other acupoints.
Massage techniques:
The patient lies supine or sits, and the massager stands in front of the affected limb. First, massage the outer front side of the calf from the knee to the ankle, then massage Zusanli, Jiexi, knead Kunlun, Shangqiu, Qiuxu, Jinggu, and other acupoints. Then, the massager uses one hand to support the heel, with the thumb pressing the front side of the outer ankle, and the other hand grasping the dorsum of the foot, stretching and flexing the ankle joint for about 2 minutes, followed by plantar flexion and mild inward rotation of the ankle joint, and then dorsiflexion and outward rotation of the ankle joint. At this time, the thumb pressing the front outer side of the ankle joint is pushed along the outer ankle to the heel, with both hands pressing inward and outward on the outer ankle. Stretch and flex the ankle joint while using rocking technique. Finally, massage the area around the ankle joint and rub the outer and front outer sides of the ankle joint.
Massage techniques for ankle sprains
Massaging the outer front side of the calf around the ankle joint can relax tendons, promote blood circulation, and alleviate spasms. Kneading various acupoints can reduce swelling and relieve pain. Stretching and flexing the ankle joint and using rocking technique can help realign and restore the joint, and improve the function of promoting blood circulation and eliminating stasis, with the aim of enhancing the effects of reducing stasis and relieving pain, and restoring the normal ankle gap. Massaging and rubbing the ankle joint can harmonize Qi and blood, and warm the meridians to promote blood circulation.
Care tips for ankle sprains
Pay attention to keeping warm and prevent exposure to cold. It is not advisable to walk or remove the fixative too early. When practicing walking, prevent inward and outward rotation of the ankle joint. Use traditional Chinese medicine for external application and fumigation.
