Ankle pain might be common, but it is not considered normal. One of the most frequent causes of ankle pain is overuse or injury. This can happen from playing sports or overexerting yourself when you exercise. Ankle pain can be described as dull and achy or sharp, and sometimes, the pain is only felt when pressure is applied to the area, such as when you walk.
If your ankle is hurting, you can do many things to help it heal. It is important to address the issue immediately in order to improve your chances of a full recovery. Below are 5 things you can do to treat a painful ankle.
1. Avoid High-Impact Activities
If you have ankle pain, it’s time to take it easy and rest. Know your limit and don’t try to cross it. For instance, if walking doesn’t cause ankle pain, but running does, don’t run! Running or playing sports that involve jumping can put stress on your ankles and worsen the pain.
If you have ankle pain, try switching to low-impact exercises like swimming or biking – at least temporarily until you have fully recovered. Rest and refrain from activities that can strain your ankle further and hinder healing.
2. Apply Ice and Keep the Ankle Elevated
Ice helps to reduce swelling and pain by numbing the area and decreasing blood flow to the area, which contributes to swelling. Apply ice for 20 minutes at a time every few hours, especially during the first 48 hours after you experience ankle pain.
Keeping the affected ankle raised above heart level can help reduce swelling. Prop it up on pillows or a stool when you are sitting down, and elevate it while you sleep by propping it up on another pillow.
3. Wear Supportive Footwear
Wearing shoes with good arch support and cushioning can help protect your ankles from further injury. These shoes are constructed specifically to help people avoid ankle pain and ease symptoms. Avoid wearing high heels or flip-flops, which offer little support, especially during this time.
Also, wrapping a compression bandage or a compression sleeve around the ankle can provide additional support to the joint, and prevent excessive movement that may cause pain and interfere with normal healing.
4. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Medication
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) can help relieve ankle pain. While this is a short-term solution, it can effectively provide you respite from your symptoms while your body heals the underlying cause of the pain. Always take pain medication as directed.
5. See an Orthopedic Doctor
If your ankle pain does not diminish after a few days of at-home care, it’s best to see an ankle expert. Continued pain is a sign that there is an underlying problem that needs to be addressed medically. An orthopedic doctor can diagnose your ankle problem and recommend the best treatment to bring you proper relief.
Ankle Pain Treatment in Bismarck, ND
At The Bone & Joint Center, we have a dedicated podiatric department that handles patients with pain caused by ankle injuries and conditions. We offer a wide range of treatment options to our patients, including highly advanced, minimally invasive procedures, if necessary.
The Bone & Joint Center has several locations in North Dakota for your greater convenience. To schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic surgeons, call our office today at (701) 946-7400 or (866) 900-8650 or use our convenient online appointment request form.
