The ankle joint is made up of bones, cartilage, ligaments, synovial tissue, and other structures that help keep you moving every day. Ankle pain and discomfort can result when injury or disease affects any of these tissues.
Depending on the cause (ranging from acute injuries such as a sprain to a chronic condition like arthritis), ankle pain may be aching, throbbing, and/or burning, and it may come on gradually or suddenly.
Effective ankle pain treatment entirely depends on the specific ankle problem. After determining the cause of your ankle pain, your treatment plan will be devised by your orthopedic doctor – and your recommended treatment may include nonsurgical modalities, surgical procedures, or an individualized combination of both.
Let’s talk about ankle pain treatments that provide lasting pain relief, and where you can go throughout North Dakota for personalized orthopedic treatment for your ankle pain.
Nonsurgical Treatment for Ankle Pain
Nonsurgical treatments are the first thing you should try when looking to relieve your ankle pain. Common nonsurgical treatments include:
- The RICE Method. This is the very first treatment you can do at home, and it is an acronym that refers to rest, ice, compression, and elevation of the injured area. Many common injuries of the ankle, including a sprained ankle and tendonitis, respond well to this nonsurgical at-home treatment for ankle pain.
- Many types of mild to moderate ankle pain, especially those that are caused by sprains, tendonitis, and arthritis, get better with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Physician-administered injectable medications directly into the ankle joint, such as cortisone, can also be used when ankle pain and inflammation are caused by ankle arthritis.
- Ankle Support and Stability Braces. Supportive braces or splints that provide stability to the ankle can also significantly reduce ankle pain. Other supports may include the use of crutches, a cane, or shoe orthotics.
- Physical Therapy. Ankle pain that is caused by a strain or tendonitis can be treated successfully with physical therapy. Your physical therapist can develop an individualized physical therapy program that is focused on increasing your ankle strength, minimizing stiffness, and regaining ankle mobility.
When Does Ankle Pain Require Surgery?
Surgery for ankle pain is advised when there is a structural abnormality that is developing or an injury that is causing persistent ankle pain. For example, you need surgery when your ligament, tendon, bone, or any other ankle structure is fully torn or broken, and it isn’t getting better with nonsurgical therapies.
Ankle Pain Treatment in Bismarck, ND
Do you have ankle pain that is not getting better with at-home or over-the-counter remedies? Don’t waste any more time on treatments that don’t work – see an orthopedic ankle specialist at The Bone & Joint Center.
Your orthopedic doctor will perform a physical exam and evaluate your ankle’s range of motion and the severity of your pain. To pinpoint the source of your pain, the ankle doctor will also order one or more imaging tests as necessary. Once the source of your pain and discomfort is determined, the physician will develop a personalized treatment plan to provide you with lasting relief.
If you would like to make an appointment with an exceptional ankle specialist, call our friendly staff today at (800) 424-2663 or use our convenient appointment request form online now. We look forward to making your movements pain-free!
