Ankle Pain and Sprains
Ankle Pain Management by Experts
Ankle pain can stem from several conditions. Though sprains are common causes of pain, they are far from being the only issue that affects your ankles. By understanding what could contribute to your ankle pain, it becomes much easier to find the best treatment.
At Patel Podiatry, we work with each patient to handcraft the most effective health plan for their ankle pain.
Common Causes of Ankle Pain
Below are several of the most common reasons we treat patients with ankle pain.
Sprains
Sprains cause the ankle’s ligaments to move out of their natural position, which can lead to painful stretching and partial or full tears. Falls, jumps, or rapid turns can all lead to ankle sprains, which can take 2 to 12 weeks to heal.
Some ankle sprains are minor and heal well on their own. Others require the care of our podiatrists to avoid excessive pain and any long-term damage. They can also connect you with a physical therapist who can help you increase mobility, reduce pain, and stabilize your ankle.
Arthritis
When cartilage breaks down in the ankle joint, it can lead to ongoing pain in one or both ankles. If you have ankle pain from arthritis, you might experience discomfort when you move your ankle, along with stiffness.
Ankle arthritis can cause the skin to feel warmer to the touch, and it can also be more sensitive than usual. You may experience more ankle pain at night or after you’ve been sitting or resting for an extended period.
Our podiatrists can help arthritis ankle pain through personalized therapies.
Gout
Gout is a type of arthritis that can affect the ankles. It causes sudden spasms of intense pain that can be debilitating. Gout often affects one particular joint. It’s also common to have sudden gout episodes at night, which may be so painful that they wake you from sleep.
Gout ankle pain is best treated with a combination of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and non-medicinal therapies prescribed by our podiatrists.
Ankle Fractures
An ankle fracture results in the breakage of one or more ankle bones. A minor ankle fracture can be so minimal that it doesn’t even affect your ability to walk. Others can be so severe that they require emergency surgery.
Ankle fractures can be disruptive and painful. You may be required to rest your ankle for weeks or months, and need some type of mobility assistance, such as a cane, while you heal.
A variety of nonsurgical treatments can help reduce ankle fracture pain.
Flat Feet
Flat feet occur when pressure causes the arches of your feet to fall flat. People with flat feet may experience pain when standing or walking, especially in their heels and ankles.
If you have ankle pain from flat feet, our podiatrists can recommend several treatment options, including custom orthotic devices (shoe inserts), and physical therapy.
Ankle Pain Treatment Options
Below are the treatment options we recommend to our patients at Patel Podiatry.
The RICE Method
This popular first-aid method for ankle injuries helps you reduce inflammation and tenderness at home. It does not heal fractures, sprains, or underlying causes, but it can be a complementary approach that helps you feel more comfortable at home while you heal.
- Rest: Avoid undue physical stress or activity whenever possible. Ankle pain tends to worsen with physical stress, so avoid bearing weight on your affected limb more than you have to. Opt for low-impact exercises, like chair aerobics, instead of more intensive cardio.
- Ice: Ice can help reduce swelling and soothe inflamed muscles and joints. It can also serve as a natural topical pain reliever for sore ankles.
- Compression: Compression socks help with ankle pain and swelling. Ask our podiatrists about the right kind for your body.
- Elevation: Try to keep your affected ankle elevated often, preferably at the level of your heart. This can decrease pain and reduce swelling, especially if you have an ankle sprain.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is one of the best treatments for ankle pain. It is a noninvasive, nonsurgical treatment that uses painless sonic waves to stimulate tissues in the affected area. This triggers an immune response in the body, which leads to faster healing and natural pain relief.
After shockwave therapy, most patients can weight-bear on their ankle as usual, but we do advise avoiding certain physical activity for a week or two.
Shockwave therapy is safe, painless, and effective. However, it is not a treatment for people who are currently pregnant, those who have heart conditions, or people who use pacemakers. In these circumstances, we recommend other forms of treatment for ankle pain that respect your full health and safety.
Don’t Wait to Contact Us Today
You don’t have to live with ankle pain forever. Contact Patel Podiatry today to discuss your treatment options. Dr. Patel will be happy to meet you and help you find the relief you deserve. Schedule an appointment today by calling 203-876-7736 or by filling out our online form.