What To Do for Ankle Pain

Your ankles are an important part of your body. Together with your legs and feet, your ankles help carry your body weight. They help you walk, run, and enjoy daily life. So, what happens when you have ankle pain? Your podiatrist can help.

Along with pain in your ankle, you may notice additional signs and symptoms like these:

• Swelling
• Inflammation
• Stiffness

When you have ankle pain, it can cause:

• Instability when you are walking or standing
• Difficulty standing on uneven surfaces
• Tripping and falling, which can injure you further

So, what causes ankle pain? There are some obvious causes like injuring or spraining your ankle, but there are also some medical conditions which can lead to ankle pain. These conditions include:

• Arthritis in the ankle joint
• Tendonitis or a torn tendon in your ankle
• A fractured or broken bone in your ankle
• A nerve injury in your ankle

For mild ankle pain, you can try a few easy home therapies including:

• Placing an ice pack on your ankle several times daily
• Elevating and resting your ankle
• Taking over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medication
• Wearing an ankle support or brace

For moderate to severe ankle pain, or ankle pain which doesn’t resolve with home therapy, you need to see your podiatrist. Professional treatments your podiatrist may recommend include:

• Oral steroid medications to reduce swelling
• Prescription-strength anti-inflammatory medication to reduce inflammation
• Physical therapy and stretches to maintain ankle flexibility and mobility
• Devices including walking casts or braces to provide support and stability

You may need surgery if your ankle pain is due to:

• A torn ligament
• A torn tendon
• A broken or dislocated ankle bone

Don’t suffer with ankle pain when relief is just a phone call away. Your podiatrist can help you find relief from ankle pain and get back on your feet. To find out more about the causes of ankle pain and how you can find relief, talk with an expert–your podiatrist. Call today.