20% of all joint injuries lead to ankle pain. This pain is a result of a variety of things, from an injury to arthritis, and can lead to other health problems if left untreated. A doctor will be able to assess your condition and provide treatment options that are right for you.

The good news is that ankle pain treatment is often non-surgical. Joint treatments may include physical therapy, medications, and braces. However, in some cases, surgery may be necessary. To avoid such extreme measures it’s important to treat ankle pain in its early stages.

Ankle Pain Treatment Methods

Twisting your ankle is a common injury that can cause pain, swelling, and redness. Depending on the severity of your injury, there are several treatment methods you can use to alleviate your ankle pain.

Some simple ankle pain treatment methods include:

R.I.C.E (rest, ice, compression, and elevation
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or aspirin
Avoiding activities that could worsen the injury
Wrapping your ankle with an elastic bandage

In more serious cases of ankle sprains or injuries where the ligaments in your ankle have been damaged, you may need physical therapy. This will help rehabilitate the area and strengthen the joints and muscles around it.

Physical therapy typically involves stretching and strengthening exercises designed specifically for your ankle injury. These exercises help to restore a normal range of motion, reduce pain, prevent future injuries, and improve balance.

You may also benefit from platelet-rich plasma therapy. These treatments involve injecting your ankle with a solution that contains high concentrations of platelets, which can help to speed up the healing process.

Causes of Ankle Pain

In addition to ankle sprains and injuries, there are several other common causes of ankle pain. These include:

Arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that affects the joints, causing pain and swelling. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is characterized by stiffness, tenderness, and a grinding feeling in your ankle joint.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendons that attach to the muscles around your ankles. This can cause pain and swelling and may be aggravated by activities such as running or jumping.

Bursitis

When the bursae, which are small sacs of fluid that act as a cushion between joints and bones to prevent friction, become inflamed, you have bursitis. This can cause pain in your ankle joint, as well as stiffness and tenderness.

Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis that is caused by a build-up of uric acid in the joints. Gout can cause redness, swelling, and intense pain in your ankle joint.

Plantar Fasciitis

This is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of your foot, which can cause intense pain in your ankle. You may also feel pain when walking or standing.

Torn or Ruptured Achilles Tendon

This is an injury to the tendon that connects your calf muscle to your heel bone. It can cause severe pain and limit mobility. It is caused by repetitive strain or a traumatic injury.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

This is a condition that causes pressure on the nerve in your ankle, resulting in numbness, tingling, and pain.

These are just some of the most common causes of ankle pain. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing any type of severe or persistent pain as it could be indicative of a more serious condition.

When To See A Doctor

There are some signs that may indicate that you should seek medical attention. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should see a doctor right away:

Pain that persists even after rest and home treatments
Severe swelling of the ankle or inability to move or bear weight on it
Visible deformity of the ankle such as a visible lump
Severe joint pain with redness and warmth

Read More : Managing Pain After Spinal Cord Injuries: A Comprehensive Guide

Ankle Pops

Ankle pops are common, and typically not indicative of a serious injury. However, if you experience ankle popping accompanied by pain or swelling, you should seek medical attention.

A popping sensation can happen because of a variety of things, including tendinitis or tears in the ligaments. It may also be indicative of a fracture or dislocation.

Numbness in Ankles

Numbness in your ankles can happen because of a number of things, including nerve damage due to an injury, prolonged periods of immobility, or pressure on the nerves in your ankle. If you experience numbness, tingling, or pain in your ankle accompanied by any other symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Unable To Support Weight

If you experience pain or discomfort when attempting to bear weight on your ankle, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. This can be a sign of a fracture, ligament damage, or tendonitis. Additionally, if you experience any other symptoms such as swelling or discoloration of the skin, it’s important to be evaluated by a joint doctor.

Cannot Walk

If you are unable to walk on your ankle due to pain, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. This may be a sign of a fracture or torn ligament and can require medical treatment for a full recovery. If one ankle is unable to support your weight, it is important to not put any weight on the other ankle as this can lead to further injury.

Open Wound

If you have an open wound on your ankle, get medical attention right away. Open wounds can lead to serious infection and can require extensive treatment for a full recovery. Open wounds may be indicative of a fracture or dislocation within the ankle joint and can require medical attention.

See a Joint Doctor for Your Ankle Pain

When dealing with chronic or severe ankle pain, it is important to seek medical advice from a qualified physician or physical therapist. Rejuvenate Your Health offers a variety of ankle pain treatment methods to help reduce pain and improve mobility.

You may be the perfect candidate for plasma-rich platelet (PRP) therapy, or a joint doctor may recommend non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy and braces. Our experienced joint doctors and physical therapists can help find the best solution for your ankle pain and create a treatment plan to help reduce inflammation, improve strength, and restore mobility.