Injuries have a frustrating way of resurfacing long after you thought they’d healed. How often has an old ankle sprain or tendon issueflared up when you least expected it? Then you rest your foot and hope it gets better over time, which it often does—only to flare up again in a few days, weeks or months. So why doesn’t resting your foot fix the problem?
It Depends on Your Injury
Not all foot and ankle injuries behave the same way, which is why some settle down quickly while others seem to linger. Sometimes, recurring pain comes from the effects of scar tissue or weakened supporting muscles that continue to place strain on the ankle. Mild sprains often recover well with rest and cause little ongoing trouble, whilst fractures, torn ligaments, or damaged cartilage can leave the joint weaker and more vulnerable to flare-ups. In cases where there may be bone fragments, ligament tears or persistent instability in the joint, a consultation with a foot and ankle surgeon is often the best way to uncover the full extent of the damage.
The Right Amount of Rest Is Crucial
Rest is a natural part of recovery, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. That’s because too much time off your feet can be just as problematic as not enough. Finding the balance between protecting the injured area and keeping the rest of your body active is key to avoiding repeated setbacks.
Key Factors Around Rest
- Muscle strength starts to decline after about two weeks of inactivity.
- Tendons can begin to stiffen after four weeks, limiting flexibility and mobility.
- General fitness levels drop with prolonged rest, which can lead to quicker fatigue and slower recovery when you try to return to normal activity.
This is why flare-ups are common after long breaks because the supporting structures around the injured area become weaker, leaving the joint more vulnerable when it’s placed under pressure again.
What About Pain Medication?
Pain relief can play an important role when inflammation or swelling makes movement or rest difficult, yet it should always be taken under the guidance of a health professional. Medication such as anti inflammatories may ease symptoms in the short term, but it doesn’t resolve the underlying cause of the recurring injury. Without addressing strength and stability as part of your recovery, painkillers may simply hide the problem rather than fix it.
What About Physiotherapy?
Whether you’re recovering after surgery or dealing with an issue that doesn’t require surgical treatment, physiotherapy helps by strengthening the supporting muscles, improving balance, and retraining healthy movement patterns. With consistent, targeted exercises, the ankle becomes more stable and resilient, reducing the likelihood of repeated flare-ups and ongoing pain.
Taking Control of Old Injuries
An old foot or ankle injury doesn’t have to hold you back from the things you enjoy. With the right mix of rest, targeted strengthening, and professional guidance, flare-ups can be reduced and stability restored. A little attention to your ankle today can bring the freedom to live life more fully tomorrow.
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