Do you have Ankle Pain?
Ankle pain is most often due to an ankle sprain. This type of injury is caused when your foot lands on the ground awkwardly and your foot twists over onto its side. A sprained ankle injury is most likely to occur when walking or running on uneven ground, during a trip or a fall, or during sporting activities that involve a lot of changing direction quickly.
The ligaments on the outer side of the ankle are most commonly affected; injury to the ligaments can range from a mild sprain in which you have just slightly over stretched the lateral ankle ligaments, or a complete tear which results in significant pain, swelling, bruising and ankle instability.
If you have sprained your ankle severely and there is significant pain, swelling and bruising and you are unable to bear weight on your ankle you will need to see a Doctor (via A&E) promptly for medical evaluation. If you heard a popping sound at the time of injury you may have a severe sprain with symptoms similar to breaking a bone and do require an x-ray to check if you have a fracture.
For milder ankle sprains with no swelling, bruising or instability and you can take some weight on your ankle you may follow the Rest Ice Compression Elevation (RICE) protocol. You should seek medical advice via your GP if you symptoms do not improve within 1-2 weeks or if you have any residual weakness you may need to see a Physiotherapist.
Following a moderate or severe ankle injury, there is sometimes residual weakness and instability of the ankle joint. Foot Orthoses are helpful in reducing risk of a recurrent injury; and some athletes will require ankle bracing for several months after their ankle sprain to protect them during sporting activities.
Other causes of ankle pain which usually begin with a more gradual onset of symptoms include:
Arthritis
Gout
Peroneal Tendonopathy
Tibialis Posterior Tendonopathy
Contact us for an appointment if you are having ongoing problems with ankle pain or instability following an ankle sprain to see how we can help.