Ankle Pain
Introduction
Ankle pain isn’t fun. It can range anywhere from mild discomfort while running all the way up to the inability to walk on the injured ankle.
The ankle is a part of the foot that consists of bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Because the ankle is so pivotal in body movement and can bear the weight of the entire body, it may be prone to pain and injury.
Symptoms
Ankle pain can have a variety of symptoms depending on the cause and nature of the injury. Someone with ankle pain could feel sharp, dull or even shooting pain in or around the ankle joint, which may even present itself in swelling of the joint, which could also lead to a limitation of movement.
One may also experience ankle pain from the outside or inside of the ankle, or in the Achilles which connects the muscles in the lower part of the leg to the heel.
Causes
Strain or injury to any part of the bones, tendons or ligaments in the ankle may cause ankle pain. Common causes of ankle pain include but are not limited to:
- Achilles tendonitis
- Bursitis (joint inflammation)
- Osteoarthritis
Ankle injuries may be a result of other health conditions but can also be a result of incorrect training methods, poor foot mechanics, injuries and even wearing the wrong footwear.
Treatments
A common method of treatment for mild injuries is the RICE method. This means:
R: Rest
I: Ice
C: Compression
E: Elevation
If symptoms persist, you may want to consult a specialist.
What treatments are available for ankle pain?
The treatment of ankle pain can vary by the nature and severity of the injury. In some cases, more severe injuries may even require surgery. Some of the common treatments for ankle pain include but are not limited to:
Braces & splints
An ankle brace is a device designed to stabilize the ankle and may relieve some of the pain. There are a wide variety of braces available with some braces more suited for specific activities. Ask your professional for more advice about ankle braces.
Joint aspiration
This is a common procedure that consists of your specialist removing the excess fluid in the ankle via a needle. Joint aspiration is known for relieving pain and swelling.
Medications
There are several types of over-the-counter as well as prescription medications that treat ankle pain. Medications for the treatment of gout and arthritis can significantly reduce swelling and pain in the ankle.
Orthotic inserts
Orthotics are inserts that fit in your shoes. There are many inserts that range from off-the-shelf store purchase inserts to custom-made inserts specially designed for the purpose of your feet. Orthotics are designed to stabilise the foot and can provide support, while providing alignment which is important for healthy pain-free feet.
At Feet First Podiatry Centre our world-class group of professionals are here to assist in guiding you to pain-free, healthy feet. With our holistic and thorough consultation and treatment methodology, you can be sure that you are getting the best possible podiatry treatment in Melbourne.
To book an appointment to get your feet feeling good, click on the link below now.
