Treating Your Ankle Pain
posted: Apr. 11, 2024.
Ankle pain can significantly impact mobility and daily activities, making it essential to address and manage it effectively. Whether caused by injury, overuse, or underlying medical conditions, implementing appropriate treatment strategies can alleviate discomfort and improve quality of life. It’s important that you don’t ignore ankle pain and that you get the correct treatment to properly heal. Dr. Michael Sherwin at Family Foot Care of Bellingham in Washington can explain how to treat ankle pain and what your options might be.
Treating Your Ankle Pain
Before initiating treatment, it's crucial to identify the underlying cause of your ankle pain. Common causes include sprains, strains, fractures, tendonitis, arthritis, and nerve compression. Your podiatrist in Bellingham, WA, will examine your ankle pain to determine what the cause is and what the best form of treatment may be.
The first form of treatment usually involves resting and icing the injury. Resting the affected ankle and applying ice can help reduce pain and inflammation, especially in the early stages of injury. Avoid weight-bearing activities that exacerbate pain and elevate the ankle to reduce swelling. Applying ice for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help alleviate discomfort and promote healing. You can also use compression wraps to help stabilize the ankle and reduce swelling.
Wearing ankle braces or supportive devices can help to provide stability and reduce the risk of reinjury, especially during physical activity or sports. Orthotic inserts or custom-made shoe inserts may also help correct biomechanical issues and alleviate pain associated with conditions such as flat feet or high arches. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with ankle injuries or conditions like arthritis.
Contact Our Podiatrist Today
Take care of your ankle injury. Contact Dr. Michael Sherwin at Family Foot Care of Bellingham in Bellingham, WA, to learn about treating ankle pain and what your options might be. Call for more information and to schedule your appointment today at (360) 738-9797.