Ankle Pain is uncomfortable, but home care can help you
get back on your feet in no time
All it takes is one wrong move, and you know the damage has been
done, with pain that varies from slight to sharp. The next time
you experience ankle pain, make sure you have these tips handy.
Causes of Ankle Pain
There are several common causes of ankle pain. These include sprains
and strains, gout and pseudogout. Gout occurs when the body produces
too much uric acid, which is a waste product of the body. Instead
of being excreted in the urine, the extra uric acid is deposited
in the joints, causing pain and arthritis. Pseudogout, a condition
similar to gout, results in deposits in one or more of the joints,
also resulting in pain and swelling.
Several types of arthritis can cause ankle pain as well, including
osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Certain infections also
may cause pain in the ankles.
When Ankle Pain Is an Emergency. While most ankle pain can be treated
at home, sometimes emergency care is needed. Go to the hospital
or call your local emergency number if:
- You think your ankle might be broken.
- Your ankle is bleeding and you can't get the blood to stop.
- Your ankle looks misshapen and is painful.
- You have a serious injury or experience severe pain.
- Your ankle joint makes a popping noise and the joint isn't moving
properly.
Most ankle pain does not require emergency care. When in doubt,
talk to your healthcare professional.
Home Care for Ankle Pain
When ankle pain is caused by strains and sprains, gout or arthritis,
these home care tips will help.
- Stay off the ankle that's causing pain. Rest is key to recovery
and pain relief.
- If your ankle feels unstable, support it, especially when standing
or walking. Bandages applied snugly-but not too tightly-work well.
If you don't know how to apply bandages, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If bandages don't provide enough support, you may need to see
your healthcare professional for a brace, crutches or cane.
- If your ankle is swollen, elevate your foot above heart level,
even when you're sleeping. You can do this by propping your ankle
up on a couple of pillows.
- Apply ice. When you first notice pain, begin icing your ankle.
Continue to apply ice for 10 to 15 minutes every hour for the
first day, and then every 3 to 4 hours for the next two days.
Don't apply ice directly to the skin. Instead wrap the ice in
a towel, and then hold to skin.
- Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and swelling as recommended
by your healthcare professional.
Unfortunately, ankle pain can take a while to subside. If your
pain is due to arthritis or a sprain, you may need to take it easy
for at least 10 days. For severe sprains, recovery can last for
five weeks or more.
During recovery, call your healthcare professional if:
- Ankle swelling does not subside within a few days, even after
you've used ice and elevation.
- You have symptoms of infection. Symptoms include redness and
pain and fever of 100 F or higher.
- The pain doesn't go away after several weeks.
- If you have any concerns about your ankle pain, don't hesitate
to call your healthcare professional.
- Preventing Ankle Pain Can ankle pain be avoided? Not always,
but there are some things you can do to help reduce your risk.
- Lose weight. If you are overweight, try to shed a few pounds.
Extra pounds can stress your ankles.
- Warm-up and stretch out. Stretching the muscles and tendons
around the ankle will help prevent strains and sprains.
- Take it easy with new activities. When it comes to exercise,
start out slowly. Overdoing it can stress the ankles and cause
injury and pain.
- Wear the right shoes. Wearing shoes that fit well are important
for everyday use as well as physical activities.
- Put away the stilettos. If you're prone to ankle pain, pack
away the high heels or uncomfortable shoes.
- Use ankle supports. If you tend to twist your ankles during
physical activities, wear support braces or use bandages to help
stabilize the joint.
If you have questions about ankle care or ankle injuries, talk
to your healthcare professional.
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