Here at York Foot Orthotics and Bracing, we want to help you take good care of your feet, legs, and ankles. Ankle injuries are one of the most common, and ankle pain is also very widespread. Because so many people experience ankle pain at one point or another, it can be tempting to just dismiss it as normal, but this is a mistake. We believe in taking ankle pain seriously, and we have put together this guide on what to do if you are experiencing it.
Seek Immediate Treatment
While some cases of ankle pain can be treated with self-care measures, others require immediate professional treatment. We encourage you to see a doctor as soon as possible if you:
- Experience swelling or severe pain
- Have an open wound
- Have a possible break, fracture, or sprain
- Can’t put weight on the ankle
- Show signs of infection, such as redness or warmth around the ankle
Use Self-Care Methods
You can also alleviate ankle pain using these self-care methods:
- Rest – Above all, take a break from normal activities and avoid putting weight on your ankle.
- Elevation – While you rest, elevate your ankle above the level of your heart to help reduce swelling. Propping your ankle on pillows usually works well.
- Compression – Wrapping the ankle in a compression bandage will also help reduce swelling.
- Ice – Place an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) on the affected ankle for 20 minutes three times per day to reduce swelling and alleviate pain.
- Medicine – You can also take over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen to relieve ankle pain.
If the above measures fail to reduce swelling after two or three days, you should see a doctor to have your ankle checked out.