We forget the value of our ankles until we’re hopping around in pain and it hurts to walk! Sensitive to the smallest trip or put under pressure from supporting extra weight, pain in your ankles can be a true showstopper.
An ankle sprain is something a great majority of people will have to deal with at some point in their lives. Making up close to 85 percent of all ankle injuries, active types and the victims of misfortunate accidents are all susceptible to the teeth gritting injury. An ankle sprain is the excessive stretching or tearing of ligaments surrounding the ankle. Occurring from an awkward landing or inward twist, sprains typically improve with time. Implementing the commonly dubbed R.I.C.E. method of rest, ice, compression, and elevation, you’ll be up and going in a few weeks.
Some recovered victims complain their ankle is permanently weaker than prior to their injury. Unfortunately, studies show a sprained ankle is between 40-70 percent more likely to be sprained again in the future.
Additional Causes
The discomfort you’re experiencing may also be due to a variety of health problems unrelated to unfavorable contact. Arthritis, gout, infection, blocked blood vessels, and nerve damage are all known to cause a sufferer’s pain in his or her ankles.
An unhealthy build up of uric acid in the body produces the onset of gout. Sharp pain due to the high concentration is a result of crystals deposited in the joints. Pseudogout is a comparable condition in which calcium deposits are formed in the joints. Gout and pseudogout patients also often suffer from swelling and increased redness.
Arthritis has been known to cause many patients a variety of issues. Joint inflammation can affect the body in any place at any time. Osteoarthritis is the most common form that causes ankle pain. Septic arthritis, a fungal infection, cause also be a source of pain in the ankles.
Care
Protecting your ankle during daily activities, especially after an injury will go a long way. Watch your step, tape or brace your ankle when moving around, and as always, listen to your body and rest when necessary. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen is miracle over-the-counter medicines that relieve pain and swelling.
As the pain subsides to manageable levels, stretching and exercising your ankle aid in its strengthening. If the pain returns during stretching, stop. Gradual movements are better than forcing your body to do things it is not prepared to do.
When to call the Doctor
Immediate medical treatment is necessary if you cannot bear weight on your ankle or if the joint is visibly disfigured. If you are experiencing intense pain even when you aren’t moving or if no pressure is being applied to the ankle, or if you can hear a popping sound when trying to move it, these are signs of a medical ankle emergency. Warm sensations, tender, bright red, or a fever of over 100 F is also a good time to make it to a doctor, as an infection may be present.
Dr. Ian S. Goldbaum is a Podiatric Physician and Surgeon serving patients in Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Boynton Beach.
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16244 S. Military Trail #290
Delray Beach, FL 33445
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Boynton Beach, FL 33472
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