The Top 5 Causes Of Ankle Pain And How To Avoid Them

Ankle pain often has its roots in issues within your musculoskeletal system. It ranges from mild to severe pain, depending on what causes it. While some cases of ankle pain can be treated with home remedies, others need help from an orthopedic surgeon.

If you or your loved ones are experiencing prolonged ankle pain that is not going away with home remedies, it is important to seek medical help without any delay. Reach out to the best and most trusted doctor in your city. For instance, if you are a Gurgaon resident, look for the best ortho doctors in Gurgaon to get your ankle diagnosed and treated. Taking an expert’s opinion on such matters is always helpful, even if the issue you are facing is not severe enough.

What Exactly Is Ankle Pain?

Ankle pain refers to pain and/or discomfort that affects any section of your ankle. Whether your ankle hurts while walking or when you lie still, it is an issue that needs some looking into. There are multiple potential causes of ankle pain, which we will look into further in this blog, such as injuries, wear-and-tear, and diseases like ankle arthritis.

Depending on what causes the ankle pain, you may experience stiffness around the region, with or without swelling. Most patients are not able to put weight on their ankles, making walking difficult. Most cases of ankle pain can be treated with over-the-counter medicines, a few ice pack sessions, and some rest. However, the more serious cases may require surgeries followed by physical therapy sessions.

What Are The Major Causes Of Ankle Pain?

Let us now have a look at some of the most common causes that lead to ankle pain:

1. Ankle Sprain

Sprains are arguably the most common cause of ankle pain. It doesn’t take much to sprain your ankle. People sprain their ankles while running, walking, missing a step, falling down, etc.

A sprain involves tearing of the ligament that ties your ankle bones together as your ankle twists sideways. It may result in some bruising and swelling of your ankles and the surrounding areas. While light sprains can be cured in a few days while staying at home, the more serious cases involve doctors recommending a walking boot or a small cast for your ankle.

2. Ankle Arthritis

Especially in older patients, ankle arthritis is a common cause of ankle pain. You must have noticed older members of your family complain about their ankle aching without experiencing any injuries. Ankle arthritis is a disease resulting from the wearing down of your cartilage. This results in the bones in your ankles rubbing against each other without the much-needed cushioning between them.

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common types of ankle arthritis that cause ankle. The health complications involve pain in the ankle, stiffness of bones, difficulty walking, crackling sounds in the region, etc. If anyone in your family has been experiencing these issues for too long, it is advisable to seek ankle holistic ankle arthritis treatment before it is too late.

3. Lupus

Lupus is another common cause of ankle pain and several other health complications. It is an autoimmune disease that results due to your body’s immune system attacking its own tissues. Along with your ankles, the inflammation caused by lupus can affect your kidneys, lungs, skin, heart, blood cells, and different joints within your body.

It is often difficult to diagnose lupus precisely as its symptoms are similar to other major health issues. In most cases, the distinguishable symptom involves a facial rash that resembles butterfly wings. Moreover, some patients are born with the tendency to develop lupus, with the disease triggered by certain specific infections.

4. Ankle Fracture

Ankle fracture results in the cracking or breaking of one of your ankle bones. Your ankle is made up of three major bones – the talus, fibula, and shinbone (tibia). Ankle fractures often result in some bruising and excruciating pain.

Most fractures need immediate medical attention, along with effective home remedies. Your orthopedic doctor would suggest the best remedy depending on your fracture, which may include giving you a cast or performing surgery.

5. Achilles Tendinitis

As the name suggests, Achille Tendinitis is a condition resulting from a tear in your Achilles tendon, the tendon connecting your calf muscles with your heels. It is caused when the tendon is exposed to a sudden or heavy strain, causing immense ankle pain.

Achilles Tendinitis often causes the back of your ankle to swell, along with your ankles feeling soft and weak. While most doctors prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to tackle the issue, the key to recovering from the problem is rest. Make sure you consult your orthopedic doctor or physical therapist for the best plan of action.

Most Effective Home Remedies To Cure Ankle Pain

Irrespective of the cause of your ankle pain, here are some of the most effective home remedies that provide you with major pain relief:

• Ice Packs – Most cases of ankle-related injuries can be treated by applying an ice pack for 15 – 20 minutes after every few hours.

• Compression – Doctors often suggest compressing the affected area with an elastic bandage to prevent inflammation.

• Ankle Elevation – Keeping your ankle at an elevation (above your heart) reduces swelling and speeds up the healing process.

• Wearing Supportive Footwear – Always ensure that you use footwear that provides the right amount of support to your aching ankle. Do not wear shoes that are too loose and allow a lot of ankle movement.

• Rest – Finally, the most important home remedy for ankle pain is rest. Make sure you do not put your ankle to use for a few days, apart from small exercises that are important for recovery.

The Final Word

These were a few important causes for ankle pain and remedies that help you tackle the issue. While mild pain can be treated in a few days with home care, make sure you reach out to your orthopedic doctor if the complications seem more severe.