How We Can Help You Manage Your Ankle Pain
posted: Jan. 24, 2020.
Find out what’s causing your ankle pain and how to properly treat it.
Despite how incredible the human body is, when it comes to the ankle joint this rather small structure can be a bit unsteady. Unfortunately, this means that most people will twist or sprain their ankle at least once during their lifetime. When this happens our Bellingham, WA, podiatrist Dr. Sherwin is here to ensure that you fully recover without complications.
Are you dealing with an ankle sprain?
An ankle sprain is the most common injury in the US, in both athletes and non-athletes. You don’t have to be an athlete in order to deal with ankle-related injuries. In fact, around 2 million ankle sprains occur each year. So, how do you know if you’ve sprained your ankle? You may experience any of these symptoms,
- Sudden pain
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Bruising
- Limited range of motion
- A popping sound or sensation
- Ankle weakness and instability
- Difficulty bearing weight on the ankle
When should I see a doctor?
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above after an injury it’s important to see a doctor. After all, it could be a sprain or it could be something worse. Our Bellingham, WA, foot doctor has the proper diagnostic tools to be able to determine if it’s a sprain or not. From there, we can also recommend a variety of treatment options depending on the severity of the injury.
Minor sprains are often treated with conservative care such as,
- Nonsteroidal pain relievers
- Elevating the leg to reduce swelling
- Stretching and performing certain therapeutic exercises
- Getting proper rest
- Custom orthotics (shoe inserts)
- Supportive braces or shoes
What happens if I don’t treat my ankle sprain?
If the sprain isn’t allowed to properly heal this can lead to long-term pain, weakness and instability, which can greatly limit activities.
If you are living with persistent, chronic or severe ankle pain then it’s time you did something about it. Prevent long-term mobility problems by being proactive about the ankle care you receive. Call Family Foot Care of Bellingham in Bellingham, WA at (360) 738-9797 to schedule an evaluation.