How To Treat Ankle Pain
Ankle pain can be a nagging discomfort that disrupts our daily routines and limits our mobility.
Whether it’s due to an injury, overuse, or underlying medical conditions, finding relief from ankle pain is essential for restoring comfort and functionality to our lives.
In this blog, we will delve into the causes along with the ankle pain treatment.
What Causes Ankle Pain?
Some of the common causes of ankle pain include:
Ankle sprains | Sport injuries | Ankle fractures | Tendonitis |
Bursitis | Osteoarthritis | Rheumatoid arthritis | Ankylosing spondylitis |
Post-traumatic arthritis | Nerve Damage | Infections |
When Should You See a Podiatrist for Ankle Pain Treatment?
You might want to try to bear the pain, but there comes a time when you should consult a podiatrist for your ankle pain treatment.
Here are some signs indicating it’s time to schedule an appointment:
- When your ankle pain lasts over 3 days.
- If your pain is getting worse or keeps coming back.
- When you are unable to walk comfortably.
- If your ankle appears swollen or shows signs of deformity.
- You can’t bend or rotate your ankle.
- If there is any sign of infection, like redness, warm skin, fever, or swelling.
- When you are experiencing pain even while at rest or lying in bed.
- If you have conditions like arthritis, diabetes, etc.
What are Different Ankle Pain Treatment Options?
Here are some common approaches of ankle pain treatment:
RICE Therapy
RICE therapy stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. It is an effective treatment for ankle pain.
Resting the affected ankle allows for healing, while applying ice helps reduce inflammation and pain. Compression with a bandage, and elevating the ankle above heart level also assists in reducing swelling.
This simple approach can provide relief and promote recovery from ankle pain and discomfort.
Exercise
If you experience stiffness in your feet or ankles, particularly in the morning, exercising may be helpful after allowing some time for them to loosen up.
Begin with a small pace and gradually increase the intensity as exercises become easier or more comfortable.
It’s normal to feel mild discomfort as you move your foot or ankle. However, if you notice that movement makes it feel worse or causes sudden bursts of more intense pain, consult a podiatrist.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a common ankle pain treatment for many ankle conditions, including strains and tendonitis, as well as after ankle surgery.
Physical therapists use rehabilitation exercises to increase muscle strength in the ankle, regain mobility, reduce stiffness, and prevent chronic ankle problems.
Depending on the specific injury, your podiatrist may advise using crutches, a cane, ankle braces, splints, orthotics, or a cast. They will determine which of these options, if any, is suitable for your condition.
Surgery
For severe injury or conditions that do not respond to conservative treatment, surgical intervention might be required to repair damaged tissues or stabilize the ankle joint.
- Ankle Debridement: This procedure involves the removal of loose cartilage, diseased tissues, or bone spurs surrounding the joint.
- Ankle Fusion (Arthrodesis): This procedure involves removing damaged cartilage and the fusion of the ankle joint bones together to restrict the joint from moving, thereby easing pain.
- Total Ankle Replacement (Arthroplasty): This procedure involves the replacement of the damaged ankle joint with a prosthetic artificial ankle implant, allowing for improved joint function and pain relief.
Medications
Over-the-counter NSAIDs like naproxen or ibuprofen can effectively alleviate pain and decrease swelling.
Additionally, a podiatrist may prescribe corticosteroids, which help treat inflammation and provide long-lasting pain relief.
Orthotics
Orthotics are shoe inserts that help provide support to your feet and ankles. They can be either custom-made or bought over the counter.
Additionally, consider changing the type of shoes you wear for specific activities.
Consult Dr. K P Meda for Ankle Pain Treatment in Dubai
For personalized and expert care for ankle pain treatment in Dubai, consult Dr. K P Meda.
As a leading orthopedic surgeon and podiatrist, Dr. K P Meda brings over 23 years of orthopedic experience, specializing in foot and ankle conditions. With his expertise and dedication to excellence, you can trust that your ankle pain will be addressed with the utmost skill and compassion.
Take the first step towards relieving your ankle pain and improving your quality of life by scheduling a consultation with Dr. K P Meda today.
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