30 Oct Ankle Pain Diagnosis – What Can This Pain Mean?
Pain can occur throughout the body in various places and in a number of ways. What one type of pain in one person feels like may be a completely different reason and feeling in the next person. Ankle pain is something that strikes many people of various ages. When thinking of ankle pain, we’re referring to a pain or discomfort in the ankle which could be caused by an injury or medical condition.
If you have a sore ankle, what does that indicate? While this article certainly isn’t a complete run-down of all the things that could cause ankle pain, it’s a simple guide that may help with self-care. Always be sure to seek the advice of a professional when experiencing pain.
Ankle Sprain
Have you fallen over recently? Have you twisted your ankle whilst playing sports? If you’re experiencing pain in the ankle after you have twisted or turned your ankle in an awkward way, chances are you could have a sprained ankle.
The tough bands of tissue (ligaments) surrounding the ankle can become damaged, causing a sprain. Sprained ankles can be minor or rather problematic, depending on how you sprained your ankle. Talk to a medical practitioner if you sprain your ankle so that they can assess the damage and severity of your sprain.
While it can take weeks or months for a sprained ankle to completely heal, you can treat a minor sprain at home by resting the ankle, elevating your foot when necessary or using elastic bandages to wrap your ankle (but be sure not to do so too tightly). If in doubt, get some advice from a doctor or medical practitioner.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Normally, your immune system works to help fight off germs so that you don’t get sick. Unfortunately, sometimes your immune system will attack your joints instead. This is then what medical professionals refer to as rheumatoid arthritis. Oddly enough, rheumatoid arthritis will often attack the same joint on both sides of the body. If both of your ankles are in pain, chances are this could be the cause.
The pain usually begins at the front of the foot in your toes then moves back towards the ankle. Pain and swelling are often seen in patients suffering from this condition. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may be able to find relief with gentle exercise and physical therapy. Some doctors may prescribe you with special inserts or shoes to help relieve the pain. Have a chat with your doctor or medical practitioner for a complete diagnosis.
Osteoarthritis
Where your joints meet, the bones have a covering of cartilage to provide a cushion between the bones. As time goes on, this cartilage can wear down, causing the bones to rub together. Of course, this isn’t a pleasant experience as it can cause stiffness, pain, inflammation and loss of motion at the joint.
Your medical practitioner may suggest steroid shots or anti-inflammatory drugs to help reduce the swelling. They may encourage some type of physical or massage therapy to help reduce the pain. Depending on the severity, some people also require surgery in order to help reduce the symptoms and pain.
Gout
Although gout usually attacks your big toe, it is also relatively common for the ankles to be affected by gout, too. Gout can occur when a waste product known as uric acid turns into crystals and collects within your joints. This causes a lot of swelling and intense pain.
Special diets can help reduce future attacks, as well as regular exercise habits. If your symptoms are too painful, a doctor may prescribe you with medication. If you have recurring pains and swelling, always be sure to seek the advice of a medical practitioner.
Not all pains and strains are the same. There are plenty of different reasons why you could have pain in your ankle, which is why it’s always important to get the right advice in order to receive the right treatment. Ask your doctor for advice or if you’re looking for a myotherapist in Melbourne who can assess your painful ankles, have a chat with the team at Unwind Myotherapy.
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