Why Does My Ankle Hurt?
Due to the complex array of tendons, ligaments, tissues and bones in the foot, there are a wide variety of ailments that can cause your ankle to hurt. Radiating pain from a simple ankle sprain can cause you to feel pain in other areas of your feet. It’s always best to see your podiatrist to track the actual problem and avoid unnecessary pain and unhelpful side remedies.
Common ankle problems that cause pain include
● Achilles tendon tear
● Bursitis
● Gout
● Osteoarthritis
● Plantar fasciitis
● Arthritis
Home remedies and treatment for ankle pain mainly consist of the RICE protocol:
● Resting - Take the weight off of the ankle and raise your foot right away if possible
● Icing - Apply an ice several times a day for ten or twenty minutes.
● Compression wraps - Compression bandages can be utilized to reduce swelling.
● Elevation above your heart - Lying down and raising your foot above your heart will help to reduce swelling.
Ibuprofen can be taken to reduce pain and inflammation. In severe cases involving fractures, surgery may be needed.
If your pain and discomfort do not dissipate after two or three weeks, it may be a sign of a more complicated problem requiring the expertise of your podiatrist. At Fit Feet for Life, our team of board-certified podiatrists has access to advanced technologies and years of experience to help diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle problems, including heel pain, sports injuries, toe deformities, nail fungus, and plantar warts. Bonnie Sanchez, DPM, and Gregory Cook, DPM, provide high-quality foot and ankle care to patients in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area at our five offices conveniently located in Sun City Center, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and our two Tampa locations. Please contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.