What makes an ankle hurt?
The ankle is a joint where the bones of the feet and legs meet. The up and down motion of the foot is controlled with this joint. The joint itself as well as the very bottom portion of the leg and the flat part of the upper foot are all considered part of the ankle area. Inflammation or injury to the cartilage, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones inside the ankle can all cause the ankle to hurt. Common causes of ankle pain usually include:
- Breaks
- Sprains or injuries
- Osteoarthritis
- Arthritis
- Gout
- Achilles tendonitis
- Tumors
- Nerve Damage
When Should I See the Doctor?
Contact the podiatrist right away if:
Even simple ankle injuries can cause a lot of discomfort. It is helpful to employ the RICE method to assist with treating the injury while at home. The RICE method will involve:
- Rest- Take a break from activities and keep weight off the ankle
- Ice- Utilize an ice pact for 20 minutes three to four times a day
- Compression- To minimize swelling use a compression bandage
- Elevation- In addition to compression elevate the ankle above the heart to minimize swelling
Over-the-counter pain relievers can also be employed to assist with discomfort and swelling. Options include Advil, Aleve, ibuprofen, and aspirin.
When the above methods do not improve symptoms, you should visit the doctor. You should also visit the doctor right away if:
- You experience severe swelling or pain
- There is a severe deformity or an open wound
- Cannot put any weight on the foot or ankle
- Observe infection indications such as warmth at site, fever over 100° F, and tenderness
Schedule a visit with the podiatrist if swelling doesn’t get better after 2 to 5 days and if you experience persistent discomfort which doesn’t get better after a few weeks.
