A branch of rehabilitative health that uses specially designed exercises and equipment to help patients regain or improve their physical abilities. Physical therapists work with many types of patients, from newborns with musculoskeletal birth defects, to adults suffering from sciatica or the after-effects of injury, to elderly post-stroke.

Ankle sprains are one of the musculoskeletal injuries more common. Sprains are injuries to the ligaments of the ankle, causing them to break partially or completely as a result of sudden stretching. They can occur in one or both of the inner and outer parts of the ankle joint. Ankle sprains are the most common when there is a preexisting muscle weakness in the ankle area or a history of previous ankle injuries. The typical injury occurs when the ankle is suddenly "twisted" in a sport or down an uneven surface. The pain is initially severe and can be associated with a "popping" sensation. Immediate swelling in the area of the injury is more common in damaged blood vessels leak fluid into the local tissue. Examination of the area can cause pain when the ankle moves. The degree of pain does not necessarily indicate the degree of damage to the ligament (s). Ligament injuries are graded from I to III, ranging from partial to complete tears. partial tears maintain a certain stability of the ankle, while complete tears become unstable, because the reinforcement strips ligaments longer ankle joint. After an examination, significant ankle sprains are commonly evaluated with an X-ray test. X-rays can determine if there is a rupture of accompaniment (fracturing) the bone.

Acute ankle sprains are initially treated with ice, rest, and limiting the amount of walking and bearing weight on the injured ankle. The leg can be elevated to reduce swelling, and crutches are often recommended to prevent further trauma to the injured ligaments. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory can be taken to reduce local inflammation. Ice packs to further decrease the inflammation in the area and can reduce pain. Patients with serious injuries are placed in immobilization casts. Surgical repair of grade III injuries is considered, especially for patients who covers sports participation in the future. physical therapy programs are part of the rehabilitation process, incorporating strengthening exercises of the calf muscles. Fractures are repaired with frame to immobilize the bone during healing. Depending on the severity, fractures may require orthopedic casting, surgical procedures, including fixation, and open repair of the fractured bone.