Ankle Pain Treatment

What Should You Do If You Have Ankle Pain?

Ankle pain can be pretty jarring, causing discomfort and getting in the way of day-to-day activities. The good news is that most ankle pain is short-term and should heal if treated properly. The team at Jakupi Podiatry understand that those with ankle issues will have questions about ankle pain treatment and causes, so we’re here to provide some insight. If you have any questions about treatment for ankle pain, don’t hesitate to reach out to the friendly experts at Jakupi Podiatry.

Common Causes Of Ankle Pain

One of the most common reasons people seek out a podiatrist is ankle pain. There are several reasons why a person may be suffering from ankle pain, such as;

Ankle sprain. A sprain occurs when an ankle is forced to move out of its normal position, causing the ligaments to stretch, partially tear, or tear completely. Ankle sprains are typically caused by a fall that causes the ankle to twist, landing awkwardly on the foot after jumping or pivoting, walking or exercising on an uneven surface, or another person stepping or landing on one’s foot during a sports activity.
Ankle strain. While both an ankle sprain and ankle strain cause pain and swelling, ankle strain results from a stretched or torn muscle or tendon rather than the ligament.
Rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that attacks healthy joint tissue.
Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage cushioning the ends of the bones in your joints gradually deteriorates, causing the bone to rub on bone.
Tendonitis. The most common form of tendonitis to affect the ankle is Achilles tendinitis, caused by repetitive or intense strain on the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone. The tendon is used when you walk, run, jump, or push up on your toes, and older people are more susceptible to tendonitis.
Lupus. This autoimmune disease causes the body to attack healthy tissues and can cause kidney problems that lead to fluid buildup in the joints.
Gout. Gout occurs when urate crystals accumulate in the joints, causing inflammation and intense pain.
Flat feet. The arch between the heel and the ball of the foot is meant to create a hollow area where you stand. An individual has flat feet if the entire sole sits flat on the ground. Flat feet can result from injury, wear and tear, or genetics, and while it usually is painless, it can cause ankle and knee pain.
Trauma (prior injury)
Plantar Fasciitis. The plantar fascia is the thick band of tissue running across the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. The plantar fascia is in the shape of a bowstring, and it supports the arch of your foot, supporting shock when you walk. If there is too much stress or tension, small tears can occur in the fascia, causing irritation and inflammation.
Poor circulation. Sore ankles may be a sign of poor circulation in the feet and legs. This can be caused by peripheral artery disease, which results from plaque buildup in the arteries, restricting blood flow. If you believe your ankle pain may be caused by poor circulation, you need to speak with your podiatrist.
Nerve damage. Ankle pain, tingling, stinging, pulsating, or numbness are all signs of nerve damage, which may be caused by many factors.
Poor quality footwear. Ill-fitting or poor quality shoes can wreak havoc on your feet, ankles, knees, and lower back. You need to invest in footwear that supports your feet and ankles. If you’re struggling to find the right shoes, speak to a podiatrist.

Jakupi Podiatry’s Guide To Ankle Pain Treatment

Treatment for ankle pain differs depending on the cause of the pain and discomfort. Your podiatrist will be able to provide the best advice and guidance on ankle pain treatment, but there are a few things you can do while you’re waiting to see a professional.

Rest. If you’re experiencing ankle pain, you need to stay off your feet to prevent further injury or damage. However, if you absolutely need to get around, consider asking your podiatrist about crutches or a moon boot.
Ice. Applying ice or a cold compress to the area for 15-20 minutes every few hours to reduce any swelling.
Compression. A podiatrist or health professional can help you wrap a bandage to reduce inflammation. We would recommend refraining from wrapping your own ankle, as you may inadvertently wrap it too tightly.
Elevation. Resting with your ankle above your heart reduces swelling, so place some cushions or blankets under the sore ankle.
Ibuprofen. If you need pain relief, try taking some over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like Nurofen.
Supportive footwear. If your ankle is already in pain, the last thing you want to do is inflame it further with inadequate footwear. Wear shoes that provide you with plenty of foot and ankle support.

If the pain hasn’t subsided by the time you visit your podiatrist, they may need to use different ankle pain treatments.

Joint aspiration. In some cases, a podiatrist may need to relieve pain and swelling by removing excess fluid from the joints in the ankle.
Stronger medications. Certain drugs, such as those for arthritis, may also be used to relieve ankle pain.
Braces and splints. A brace or splint can help stabilise your ankle and relieve pain, so you can get on with your life free of discomfort.
Physical therapy. Your podiatrist may recommend a tailored physical therapy program to improve the strength and flexibility of your ankle.
Orthotics inserts. If you struggle with chronic ankle pain, your podiatrist may create custom orthotic inserts to provide better support for your feet and ankles.
Steroid injections. Severe inflammation and pain may be reduced with cortisone injections directly into the joint.
Surgery. For certain conditions or injuries, surgery is the only way to relieve pain and restore functionality. Ankle surgery can repair torn ligaments and tendons, ease arthritis, and correct flat feet, among other things.

Jakupi Podiatry’s Guide To Healthy Ankles

You might not always be able to prevent ankle pain, but you can keep your feet, ankles, and knees as healthy as possible. Here are a few tips to help you maintain pain-free movement.

Maintain a healthy weight. Carrying extra weight puts unnecessary pressure on your joints, especially the ankles. Discuss ways to exercise your ankle joints to keep them in excellent shape with your podiatrist if you struggle with weight gain.
Don’t ignore pain. If a movement or activity is uncomfortable on your ankles, don’t keep going; rest the ankle until the pain subsides. Continuing to exercise through the pain can lead to a worse injury. If the pain doesn’t dissipate, make sure to see your podiatrist.
Warm-up before exercising. Make sure you stretch muscles and soft tissues like ligaments and tendons before doing any strenuous exercise.
Ankle exercises. One of the best ways to maintain healthy ankles is by doing simple daily ankle strengthening exercises such as standing heel raises and balance training.
Visit your podiatrist regularly. The team at Jakupi Podiatry are here to help you keep your ankles strong and healthy, and with regular appointments, we can make sure you’re doing all the right things to prevent pain and injury.

If You Need Ankle Pain Treatment, Speak To The Team At Jakupi Podiatry

We’re the experts in all things podiatry, offering patients an extensive range of quality medical services, including paediatrics, custom orthotics, general podiatric skin and nail care, nail surgery, stretching & strengthening, sports podiatry and diabetes foot assessments. So if you’re after friendly and efficient services regarding all your foot and ankle care needs, look no further than Jakupi Podiatry.