Your ankle is the one joint that is connecting your foot and leg and is comprised of an intricate maze of ligaments, tendons, bones, and muscles all working to help support your weight as you move.
Unfortunately, even this durable joint will succumb to repeated overuse and strain due to our active lifestyles, poorly fitted shoes, and long hours on our feet.
What is Ankle Pain?
Ankle pain is characterized by mild to severe discomfort that can affect one or both of your ankles. While it is often caused by an injury, this affliction may also be triggered by other factors, which is why seeking medical help is important for those suffering from chronic pain.
There are two generally categories to define this issue:
- Acute Ankle Pain – are the direct results of injuries such as ankle sprains or ligament tears.
- Chronic Ankle Pain – refers to a prolonged or recurring ankle problem and is often the result of weight bearing activities that places constant strain on the foot.
What Causes Ankle Pain?
A number of external conditions can trigger ankle pain such as:
- Ankle Sprain – certain activities such as running or playing sports can place you at risk of ankle sprains wherein the ankle is twisted to the point of causing ligament tears and muscle damage.
- Achilles Tendonitis – when the large tendon lining the back of your heel (Achilles Tendon) gets injured or damaged because of repetitive strain and overuse, pain and swelling in the tendon itself (Achilles Tendonitis) will ensue that can trigger throbbing discomfort around the back of the ankle.
- Stress Fracture – after suffering through a traumatic blow. A tiny fracture or crack can happen as a result of the intense force causing the muscles surrounding the foot to place unnecessary strain on the ankle.
- Arthritis – certain medical conditions that affect the joints such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can make the ankle more susceptible to pain.
What are the Symptoms?
Apart from the obvious pain, this condition is commonly accompanied by inflammation, redness and soreness especially around the ankle.
How to Treat Ankle Pain?
For acute pain, taking weight off your foot and switching your shoes to more comfortable ones can do the trick. A combination of rest, elevation and ice are also effective home remedies to help relieve the pain and reduce swelling.
If these self care remedies fail to generate results, it is best to immediately consult with your doctor.