The ankles can be a source of weakness and pain for many people. Ankle pain can be caused by several different problems, each having unique symptoms. The most common causes of ankle pain include:
- Sprain – A sprain is the result of an injury. An ankle sprain usually results from your foot rolling over, stretching the ligaments in your ankle. It usually causes swelling and bruising at the site. If you believe you have sprained your ankle, elevate your foot and apply cold compresses to reduce the swelling. If necessary, use over-the-counter anti-inflammatories for Ankle Pain Treatment Strongsville Oh. Visit your orthopedic doctor for an evaluation because ankle sprains need treatment. In addition, it is important to verify that the ankle is not broken.
- Arthritis – Osteoarthritis can be a major source of pain in the ankles and other joints. It is a chronic condition that cannot be cured. However, there are many effective Ankle Pain Treatment Strongsville Oh Strongsville Oh for arthritis, including treatment with anti-inflammatories, exercises and stretches.
- Nerve compression – Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) is the result of nerve compression, usually on the tibial nerve. This can cause severe pain, as well as burning and numbness in the foot and ankle. There are several ways to treat nerve compression, depending on the severity and cause. It is important to see your doctor for treatment of ankle pain that may be the result of nerve compression. Your doctor may use medicines to treat the pain, including steroid injections, or may recommend braces or splints to relieve the compression. In very serious cases, surgery is recommended.
- Gout – Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. It regularly affects the big toes and the ankles, causing serious pain and swelling. Your doctor can test your blood for uric acid to determine if your pain is due to gout. Treatment involves icing and elevation of the joint, rest, and anti-inflammatory medicines. It is also crucial to keep your levels of uric acid low by eliminating purine rich foods. Gout can be serious, and it requires treatment by a physician.
- Joint infection – Joint infections are rare, but serious. Pain, redness, swelling and heat in the joint, particularly when there has been no injury, are symptoms of joint infection. If you suspect a joint infection, it is vital to seek medical treatment. In addition to treatment for the pain, you will need anti-biotics to clear the infection.
Whenever you have unexplained pain, it is wise to seek medical treatment. Your orthopedist will have many effective treatments for ankle pain and pain in any other joints.
Pure Physio offers effective Ankle Pain Treatment Strongsville Oh as well as treatment of other orthopedic issues.
