Ankle Pain Treatments: Heal Your Hurting Joint from Home
You woke up this morning, and your ankle felt tight. As you stood up, a sharp pain shot through your joint, and you could barely put weight on it. Uh oh. Ankle pain strikes again. Whether it’s from an injury or overuse, ankle pain can stop you in your tracks. But don’t worry; you can try many at-home treatments to find relief.
From icing to compression wraps, over-the-counter meds to targeted stretches, this guide will walk you through the best ankle pain treatments right from your own home. With a little TLC and patience, you’ll be back on your feet in no time. We’ll even cover when it’s time to see a doctor about more intensive options like physical therapy or surgery. So read on to learn how to get your hurt ankle happy again.
Professional Medical Treatments for Ankle Pain
Ankle pain slowing you down? Don’t worry, there are several easy things you can do right at home to relieve your hurting joint.
- Rest, ice, compress, and elevate (R.I.C.E.) your ankle. Take a break from any activity that aggravates your ankle pain. Apply an ice pack for 10-20 minutes at a time, 3 or 4 times a day, to reduce swelling. Wrap your ankle in a compression bandage and keep it elevated above heart level. The R.I.C.E. method is one of the best ways to relieve ankle pain from injuries like sprains or fractures.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Try ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen to reduce pain and make it easier to move around. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions.
- Do gentle range-of-motion exercises. Rotate your ankle in circles or flex and extend your foot up and down to keep it flexible and promote healing. Start with just 10-15 repetitions, 3 times a day and build up as tolerated.
- Apply a warm compress. After the first 1-2 days of icing, switch to heat. Soak your ankle in warm water or apply a heating pad for 15-20 minutes a few times a day to relax your muscles and increase blood flow.
- See a doctor if pain persists or gets worse. While home treatments can help relieve many cases of ankle pain, some injuries and conditions may require medical diagnosis and treatment like physical therapy, bracing, or in severe cases, even surgery to heal properly. Get evaluated right away if your pain is severe or does not improve.
Ankle Pain FAQs: Your Most Pressing Questions Answered
If home remedies aren’t helping and your ankle pain persists, it’s time to see a doctor. They can determine the underlying cause of your discomfort and recommend targeted treatment.
Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can help reduce swelling and ease pain. For moderate to severe ankle sprains, your doctor may prescribe stronger medication. Steroid injections directly into the joint may also provide relief from inflammation.
Physical therapy focuses on stretching, strengthening, and stabilizing the ankle joint. Specific exercises can help improve range of motion and balance. Ultrasound therapy uses high-frequency sound waves to generate heat and increase blood flow to the injured area.
For chronic conditions like arthritis or tendonitis, bracing or splinting the ankle may offer support and stability. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended as a last resort. Procedures like arthroscopy, tendon repair, or joint fusion can help repair damage and reduce pain.
Whatever course of treatment your doctor recommends, be sure to follow their guidance carefully. Give your ankle adequate time to heal to avoid re-injury. Staying off the ankle as much as possible, applying ice, keeping it elevated, and wrapping it for compression and support will aid the recovery process. The good news is, with proper diagnosis and treatment, most common causes of ankle pain can be resolved and you’ll be back on your feet in no time.
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