There’s nothing fun about walking around with ankle pain. You wake up and put your feet on the ground only to notice discomfort the second you put weight on them. Ankle pain can be any kind of discomfort you feel in and around the ankle joint. It’s typically due to overuse or an injury, but sometimes the cause may be unclear.While some minor ankle pain may go away on its own, if it persists, you may need to seek out a foot doctor in Katy, TX. Let’s talk about what ankle pain is, ankle pain relief, and when to see a doctor for ankle pain or foot pain.
What is Ankle Pain?
To start, ankle pain is any pain or discomfort in or around your ankle joint. There are many reasons you could be dealing with ankle pain, and it’s important to know when to see a foot doctor in Katy and Fulshear Texas.
Ankle pain is very common in people who play sports or are very active on their feet. It’s also common in people who are over the age of 65. Obesity can additionally put pressure on the ankles which can cause pain.
Common Causes of Ankle Pain
Injury
- Sprain
- A sprained ankle is the most common cause of ankle pain. This happens when ligaments in the ankle tear or weaken typically after playing sports. A sprain may also occur when you fall and roll your ankle.
- Fracture
- Broken bones in the ankle can either be minor, requiring symptomatic treatment, or very severe requiring surgery. Fractures will require a visit to a podiatrist in Katy.
- Tendonitis
- Another common cause of ankle pain is inflamed tendons which cause a condition called tendonitis.
Underlying Conditions
- Arthritis
- Various types of arthritis can cause ankle pain. Symptoms will include stiffness and inflammation. Arthritis occurs when the tissue in your joints known as cartilage breaks down and there is no cushion between the bones.
- Flatfoot
- Flatfeet occur when you have a low arch or no arch at all in your foot. This can cause pain and swelling in the feet which can spread to the ankle. If you have this condition, it’s important to wear supportive footwear and let your feet rest when needed to avoid ankle pain.
- Gout
- Gout is a condition caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body. This Uric acid can accumulate in your ankle joint causing inflammation and significant pain.
Symptoms of Ankle Pain
- Ankle Swelling
- Tenderness
- Burning
- Inability to put weight on the foot
- Bruising
- Stiffness
- Instability when standing
- Numbness or tingling
Ankle Pain Relief
Minor ankle pain may often be treated at home initially, however, it is still important to consult with a katy podiatrist such as Fulshear Foot and Ankle. Minor sprains and strains can sometime turn into major headaches, leading to tendon tears, chronic ankle instability, or result in cartilage damage. Our team of licensed professionals will be able to diagnose your ankle pain and point you in the correct direction for ankle pain relief.
Over-the-Counter Medicine
Since one of the major causes of ankle pain is inflammation, OTC medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen will help to decrease swelling.
RICE Method
No, we don’t mean a bowl of rice for dinner. The RICE method is an effective way to treat ankle pain at home and is typically recommended by podiatrists for minor injuries. It consists of:
- Rest
- Let your ankle rest when you’re experiencing pain. The more you continue to use your ankle, the longer the pain will last.
- Ice
- Icing will help reduce swelling in the ankle and give you relief from the pain with numbing. While it’s going to feel amazing, only ice for 20 minutes at a time then give your poor ankle a break. Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures could result in more injury.
- Compression
- Using a compression wrap on your ankle will give you relief as well as stability if you must stand.
- Elevation
- The last step is to elevate your leg. Do this by propping your legs up on a couple of pillows while you’re watching Netflix. It’s a great thing to add to your self-care routine, too!
Epsom Salt
Give your feet and ankles some love with a foot soak to relieve ankle pain. Epsom salt can relieve muscle inflammation and swelling. If you’re dealing with stiffness a foot soak can help loosen you up. It’s important to note that you shouldn’t do a foot soak right after an injury, and that ice should be used first. Always consult with a podiatrist when dealing with ankle pain.
Physical Therapy
When you seek medical treatment, the team at Fulshear Foot and Ankle may recommend physical therapy. This is typically prescribed to treat or prevent chronic ankle pain due to an underlying condition, or overuse.
When to Seek Treatment
Mild ankle pain will occasionally go away on its own, however, it could also be a sign of a potentially chronic condition. If your ankle pain persists and affecting your day-to-day life, it’s time to see a podiatrist. Severe pain should never be ignored, and ice and rest alone aren’t going to cut it. Sometimes ankle pain and injuries require a higher level of care or even surgery, so if it doesn’t go away call us at Fulshear Foot and Ankle in Katy. We offer same-day appointments to check out that rolled ankle and can do X-rays in-house. We treat everything from minor sprains to severe fractures requiring surgery. So, if you’re concerned about your ankle pain and home remedies aren’t working, contact us today!