Mobility Aids: What Are They?
Mobility aids aim to help people with walking and other daily activities, reducing the risk of fall, increasing confidence, and increasing their autonomy and independence.
Do I Need An X-ray After An Ankle Injury?
The Ottawa Ankle Rules are a set of guidelines that doctors and healthcare professionals use to help us decide if a patient should have an x-ray after an ankle injury. They should be used in conjunction with a thorough subjective and objective examination by a healthcare professional.
Indicators that further imaging (such as x-rays) is required are:
- An inability to weight bear or take up to 4 steps immediately after injury, or when you see one of our physiotherapists.
- Bone tenderness at the back of the edge of the tibia or fibula (the back part of the bones either side of your ankle)
- Bone tenderness at the navicular (inside foot bone just beyond the ankle),
- Bone tenderness at base of the 5th metatarsal (the bump on the outside of your foot, about halfway down)
OTTOWA RULES
Picture – Credit – British Medical Journal BMJ 2003;326:417
If you fit one or multiple of these scenarios listed above, then ankle imaging is recommended.
Other situations where we recommend that you see a physiotherapist:
- Numbness/ loss of sensation that is constant
- Severe constant ankle pain even when non weight bearing
- Severe ankle swelling that does not improve within 1 week
- New feeling of ankle instability/rolling the ankle when walking
- No change/improvement in ankle pain or dysfunction after 1-2 weeks
Remember these guidelines only help to decide of you should have an x-ray or not. It is always smart to have your ankle properly examined by a physiotherapist to get a proper diagnosis and start you on your road to recovery.
Should you like to book an appointment with one of our physiotherapists, then please call us on 01293 365011 or email info@sbphysiotherapy.co.uk
Appointments can be booked online here
The information contained in this article is intended as general guidance and information only and should not be relied upon as a basis for planning individual medical care or as a substitute for specialist medical advice in each individual case.
Share
Facebook
Twitter
More Articles
The Benefits of Home Visit Physiotherapy
Home Visit Physiotherapy, also known as Domiciliary Physiotherapy, is a cornerstone of patient-centered care. It offers a host of advantages that may be more beneficial
5 Most Common Football Injuries
Football is the most popular sport in the UK, with millions of people participating in various levels of the sport. In 2021 there were over
Pre-habilitation: What is it & how can it help before a knee operation?
Knee surgery is a significant medical procedure, it may be done for variety of reasons; including to address injuries, arthritis, or other degenerative conditions. While
Tips for the Safe use of Walking Aids
Walking aids are devices that are used to provide support and stability while walking; they include walking sticks, crutches, & rollators.
Importance of staying strong in preventing falls
As we age, staying strong and maintaining physical fitness becomes increasingly important. Not only does it help us feel better, but it also plays a
