Ankle Pain – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Young woman with ankle pain at white background

Table of Contents

Understanding Ankle Pain Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Ankle pain is a common problem that can have a variety of causes. Some of the most common sources of ankle pain include injuries, arthritis, and other medical conditions.

One of the most common causes of ankle pain is an injury. This can include sprains, strains, and fractures. Sprains occur when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn. This can happen when the foot is twisted, turned, or rolled in an unnatural way. Strains, on the other hand, occur when the muscles or tendons around the ankle are stretched or torn. This can happen when the muscles are overworked or strained.

Another common cause of ankle pain is arthritis. Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and stiffness in the joints. There are several different types of arthritis, but the two most common types that affect the ankle are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints wears away, causing the bones to rub against each other. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to attack the joints, leading to inflammation and pain.

Other medical conditions can also cause ankle pain. These can include gout, which is a form of arthritis that occurs when there is a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints; bursitis, which is inflammation of the bursae (small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints); and tendonitis, which is inflammation of the tendons.

In conclusion, ankle pain can have a variety of causes, including injuries, arthritis, and other medical conditions. It is important to see a doctor if you are experiencing ankle pain, so that the underlying cause can be properly diagnosed and treated.

How to treat General Ankle Pain

Treatment for ankle pain will depend on the underlying cause of the pain. Here are some common treatment options for ankle pain:

    1. Rest: If your ankle pain is due to an injury, it is important to rest the affected ankle. This means avoiding activities that put weight or stress on the ankle, such as running or jumping. You may also need to use crutches or a knee scooter to keep weight off the ankle.
    2. Use Pure CBD Pain Relief Balm to reduce pain and inflammation directly at the source of the pain.
    3. Ice: Applying ice to the affected ankle can help reduce swelling and inflammation. To use ice, wrap a towel around an ice pack and place it on the affected ankle for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
    4. Compression: Wrapping the affected ankle with an elastic bandage can help reduce swelling and provide support to the joint. Be sure not to wrap the bandage too tightly, as this can cut off circulation.
    5. Elevation: Elevating the affected ankle above the level of your heart can also help reduce swelling. Try to keep the ankle elevated for at least 30 minutes at a time, several times a day.
    6. Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce pain and inflammation. If your pain is severe or does not improve with home treatment, your doctor may prescribe stronger medication.
    7. Physical therapy: A physical therapist can help you develop a program of exercises to help strengthen and stretch the muscles and tendons around your ankle. This can help improve your range of motion and reduce pain.
    8. Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair a damaged ligament or tendon, or to remove a damaged piece of bone or cartilage. Your doctor will be able to advise you if surgery is necessary.

How To Treat Ankle Pain Caused by Ankle Sprains

Treatment for ankle pain caused by sprains typically follows the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) protocol. Here are some specific steps you can take to treat a sprained ankle:

  1. Rest: Avoid activities that put weight or stress on the ankle, such as running or jumping. You may also need to use crutches or a knee scooter to keep weight off the ankle.
  2. Use Pure CBD Pain Relief Balm to reduce pain and inflammation directly at the source of the pain.
  3. Ice: Apply ice to the affected ankle to reduce swelling and inflammation. To use ice, wrap a towel around an ice pack and place it on the affected ankle for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
  4. Compression: Wrap the affected ankle with an elastic bandage to help reduce swelling and provide support to the joint. Be sure not to wrap the bandage too tightly, as this can cut off circulation.
  5. Elevation: Keep the affected ankle elevated above the level of your heart to help reduce swelling. Try to keep the ankle elevated for at least 30 minutes at a time, several times a day.
  6. Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce pain and inflammation. If your pain is severe or does not improve with home treatment, your doctor may prescribe stronger medication.
  7. Physical therapy: A physical therapist can help you develop a program of exercises to help strengthen and stretch the muscles and tendons around your ankle. This can help improve your range of motion and reduce pain.
  8. Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair a damaged ligament or tendon. Your doctor will be able to advise you if surgery is necessary.

How To Treat Ankle Pain Caused by an Ankle Fracture

Treatment for ankle pain caused by a fracture typically involves setting the bone and keeping it in place to allow it to heal. Here are some specific steps you can take to treat a fractured ankle:

  1. Rest: Avoid activities that put weight or stress on the ankle, such as running or jumping. You may need to use crutches or a knee scooter to keep weight off the ankle.
  2. Use Pure CBD Pain Relief Balm to reduce pain and inflammation directly at the source of the pain.
  3. Ice: Apply ice to the affected ankle to reduce swelling and inflammation. To use ice, wrap a towel around an ice pack and place it on the affected ankle for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
  4. Compression: Your doctor may recommend wrapping the affected ankle with an elastic bandage to help reduce swelling and provide support to the joint. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions for how tightly to wrap the bandage.
  5. Elevation: Keep the affected ankle elevated above the level of your heart to help reduce swelling. Try to keep the ankle elevated for at least 30 minutes at a time, several times a day.
  6. Medication: Your doctor may prescribe pain medication to help manage any pain or discomfort you may be experiencing.
  7. Immobilization: Depending on the severity of the fracture, your doctor may recommend keeping the ankle immobilized with a cast or splint to allow the bone to heal.
  8. Physical therapy: After the bone has healed, a physical therapist can help you develop a program of exercises to help restore strength and range of motion to the ankle.
  9. Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair a broken bone or to stabilize the ankle joint. Your doctor will be able to advise you if surgery is necessary.

How to Treat Ankle Pain Caused by Arthritis

Treatment for ankle pain caused by arthritis typically involves a combination of medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. Here are some specific steps you can take to treat arthritis-related ankle pain:

  1. Medication: Your doctor may prescribe medication to help manage pain and inflammation, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
  2. Use Pure CBD Pain Relief Balm to reduce pain and inflammation directly at the source of the pain.
  3. Physical therapy: A physical therapist can help you develop a program of exercises to help improve range of motion, strengthen the muscles around the ankle, and reduce pain.
  4. Lifestyle changes: Making certain lifestyle changes can help manage the symptoms of arthritis and reduce pain. This can include losing weight, if necessary, to take pressure off the joints, and avoiding activities that put excessive strain on the ankle.
  5. Assistive devices: Using assistive devices, such as a cane or a brace, can help support the ankle and reduce the amount of stress on the joint.
  6. Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace a damaged joint. Your doctor will be able to advise you if surgery is appropriate for your situation.

 

Exercises for a Sore Ankle

There are several exercises that can be beneficial for a sore ankle. These exercises can help improve range of motion, strengthen the muscles around the ankle, and reduce pain. Some examples of exercises that may be helpful for a sore ankle include:

  • Ankle circles: Sit in a chair and lift your affected foot off the ground. Slowly move your foot in a circular motion, making 10-15 circles in each direction.
  • Ankle pumps: Sit in a chair and lift your affected foot off the ground. Slowly move your foot up and down, making 10-15 pumps in each direction.
  • Toe raises: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold onto a wall or a chair for support. Slowly rise up onto your toes and then lower your heels back down. Repeat 10-15 times.
  • Heel raises: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold onto a wall or a chair for support. Slowly rise up onto your heels and then lower your toes back down. Repeat 10-15 times.
  • Calf stretches: Stand facing a wall with your hands on the wall at shoulder height. Place the affected foot behind the other foot, with the heel of the affected foot on the ground. Lean forward until you feel a stretch in the calf of the affected foot, and hold for 30 seconds. Repeat on the other side.

It is important to consult with a doctor or physical therapist before starting any new exercise program. They can help determine the best exercises for your specific situation and guide you in performing them safely and effectively.

How to Treat Ankle Pain at Home

Ankle pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including sprains, fractures, tendonitis, and arthritis. While it is always important to consult a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment, there are several things you can try at home to help alleviate ankle pain.

  1. Rest and elevate your ankle: When you first injure your ankle, it is important to rest and elevate it to reduce swelling and inflammation. Try to keep your ankle elevated above your heart for at least the first 48 hours after the injury.

  2. Use Pure CBD Pain Relief Balm to reduce pain and inflammation directly at the source of the pain.

  3. Apply ice: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce swelling and numb the pain. Try wrapping an ice pack in a towel and applying it to your ankle for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.

  4. Compress the area: Wrapping your ankle with an elastic bandage or using a compression sock can also help reduce swelling and support the joint. Be sure not to wrap the bandage too tightly, as this can restrict blood flow.

  5. Take over-the-counter pain medication: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and pain. Follow the instructions on the packaging or consult a medical professional before taking any medication.

  6. Stretch and strengthen the muscles: Once the acute pain has subsided, it is important to stretch and strengthen the muscles in your ankle to improve flexibility and prevent future injuries. Some simple exercises to try include calf stretches, heel raises, and ankle rotations.

  7. Use assistive devices: If your ankle pain is severe or chronic, you may find it helpful to use assistive devices such as a brace, crutches, or a walking boot to support your ankle and reduce stress on the joint.

It is important to note that home remedies are not a substitute for proper medical care. If your ankle pain is severe or persists despite at-home treatment, it is important to consult a medical professional for further evaluation and treatment.

How to Treat Ankle Pain from Running

Ankle pain is a common complaint among runners, and can be caused by a variety of factors. Some of the most common causes of ankle pain in runners include:

  1. Ankle sprains: An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the joint are stretched or torn. This can be caused by rolling or twisting your ankle, or by landing on an uneven surface.

  2. Tendinitis: Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon, which can be caused by overuse or improper form while running.

  3. Fractures: Fractures, or broken bones, can occur in the ankle if you fall or experience a high-impact injury while running.

  4. Arthritis: Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation in the joints, and can cause pain and stiffness in the ankle.

If you are experiencing ankle pain while running, there are several things you can try to alleviate the pain and improve your overall performance.

  1. Rest and ice: If you have recently injured your ankle, it is important to rest and elevate it to reduce swelling and inflammation. Applying ice to the affected area can also help numb the pain.

  2. Stretch and strengthen: Stretching and strengthening the muscles in your ankle can help improve flexibility and prevent future injuries. Some simple exercises to try include calf stretches, heel raises, and ankle rotations.

  3. Use Pure CBD Pain Relief Balm to reduce pain and inflammation directly at the source of the pain.

  4. Use assistive devices: If your ankle pain is severe or chronic, you may find it helpful to use assistive devices such as a brace or a walking boot to support your ankle and reduce stress on the joint.

  5. Modify your running routine: If you have chronic ankle pain, you may need to modify your running routine to reduce the impact on your ankles. This may include reducing the frequency or intensity of your runs, or switching to a lower-impact activity such as swimming or cycling.

It is important to note that these home remedies are not a substitute for proper medical care. If your ankle pain is severe or persists despite at-home treatment, it is important to consult a medical professional for further evaluation and treatment.