Final answer:
Ankle and foot contractures can be managed through physical therapy that applies forces and torques, the RICE technique, and in some cases, surgery. The use of braces or assistive devices and low-impact activities like swimming are also beneficial in treatment and prevention.
Step-by-step explanation:
To counter ankle and foot contractures, a variety of methods and techniques are utilized. One common congenital deformity known as clubfoot is present at birth and often corrected without surgery. Most individuals with this condition lead normal, active lives.
Physical therapy plays a vital role in treating contractures and involves specific exercises that apply forces and torques to the affected muscles and joints, sometimes carried out in water to increase resistance and muscle strengthening. Furthermore, the RICE technique (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) is beneficial for treating ankle sprains, alongside the use of braces or casts to reduce joint mobility and facilitate healing. Severe injuries may require surgery.