Your ankles might not cross your mind often, even though you rely on them daily for standing, walking, climbing stairs, and exercising. However, it’s when you experience pain, swelling, or discomfort in one or both ankles that you realize how vital they are to your daily activities.
Therefore, through this blog post, we’ll discuss common causes of ankle pain. In case your pain is quite severe, Albany foot and ankle specialists can help you recover from the pain.
Common Reasons for Ankle Pain
In case you’re experiencing ankle pain and discomfort, the following are the possible reasons:
Ankle Sprain: This is among the most typical culprits behind ankle pain and accounts for a significant portion of ankle injuries. In many cases, you can manage a sprained ankle at home. However, it’s wise to seek a doctor’s evaluation if your ankle is severely sprained or if the pain isn’t improving despite self-care.
Overuse Injuries: If you’re pushing yourself to run your first half marathon or you dove into a new workout routine too quickly, the discomfort, pain, and swelling in your ankle might stem from an overuse injury. These injuries can usually be managed at home with rest and self-care, but it’s important to consult a doctor if the pain persists.
Ankle Arthritis: Ankle pain can also be linked to arthritis, an inflammation of the joints that can eventually lead to joint deterioration. There are different types of arthritis that can trigger ankle pain, with osteoarthritis being the most common.
Treating ankle arthritis can encompass lifestyle adjustments, physical therapy, oral or topical medications, and in more advanced cases, even ankle replacement surgery.
Managing Ankle Pain at Home
For quick relief from ankle pain at home, many experts recommend using the RICE method. Here’s what it involves:
Rest: Take a break from physical activities and avoid putting excess weight on your ankle as much as possible.
Ice: Applying ice can help decrease both swelling and pain. Place an ice pack or a bag of ice on your ankle for about 20 minutes, repeating this four to eight times a day.
Compression: To minimize swelling, gently wrap an elastic bandage around your ankle. Be cautious not to wrap it too tightly.
Elevation: Whenever feasible, keep your injured ankle elevated above your heart level. This can help reduce swelling.
When to Seek Medical Attention?
If you’ve already tried the RICE method and over-the-counter pain relievers at home, and your pain hasn’t shown improvement within 2 to 3 weeks, it’s a good idea to reach out to your doctor. They can provide the guidance you need to address your symptoms and discover effective relief.
