Don't Let Ankle Pain Slow You Down

Have ankle pain? Ankle pain is often due to an ankle sprain but can also be caused by ankle instability, infection, arthritis, fracture, and tendonitis. A podiatrist can best determine the cause of your ankle pain and appropriate treatment options. Led by Dr. Yong Chae, Active Podiatry (offices in Indianapolis and Crawfordsville) offers full-service, state-of-the-art podiatric care to their patients. Here's how to deal with ankle pain.

1. Rest your ankle. Ankle injuries require a period of rest. Immobility may help relieve your ankle pain and promote healing. Rest your ankle by not walking on it. Use crutches if necessary. Avoid strenuous activities until you can walk without it causing any pain. Take a break from any activities that may be causing pain.

2. Elevate your ankle. Elevating your foot can reduce swelling and may also alleviate your pain. Elevate your foot on a stack of pillows anytime you are lying down or sitting. Keep your ankle above heart level. Keep your ankle elevated for a few hours per day. It’s important to keep it elevated at night if you can.

3. Ice your ankle. Ice therapy can help minimize swelling and alleviate ankle pain. Apply an ice pack or cold pack to your ankle. Put ice on your ankle for 20 minutes at a time three to five times a day. Don't ice your ankle more than 20 minutes at a time to avoid frostbite. Placing your ankle in a slush bath can also help. Make a slush bath by mixing water and ice in your bathtub. Soak your ankle for up to 20 minutes.

4. Compress your ankle. Compression, or wrapping your ankle with a bandage will reduce pain and inflammation. Don't wrap your ankle too tightly, because this can make the inflammation worse. Loosen the bandage if it gets too tight. Talk to your healthcare provider if you think you need to use a wrap for longer than 72 hours; a more serious problem may be present.

5. See a podiatrist. Depending on the severity of your injury, you may receive a cast or brace to keep your ankle from moving. Your podiatrist may prescribe medication to treat your pain and inflammation. Once you can bear weight without increased swelling and pain, exercises to strengthen the muscles and tendons in your foot may be added to your treatment plan. In severe cases, surgery may be required to adequately treat an ankle injury.

Get your life back! Whether your goal is getting back to work, sports, or just enjoying life, we can help. Call Active Podiatry at (317) 328-6622 right now to schedule a consultation in Indianapolis, IN. Call (765) 362-7200 to schedule a consultation in Crawfordsville, IN. Our ankle pain treatments bring real relief to pain sufferers.

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