Ankle pain: possible causes and methods of treatment

Why does the ankle pain? Such unpleasant sensations can arise for various reasons. We will talk about them later. You will also learn how to cure such a pathological condition.

Basics

Ankle pain can occur suddenly, as well as some time after getting injured. In any case, ignoring this condition and conducting treatment at home is not recommended. It is very important to identify the cause of unpleasant sensations and take all appropriate measures. Otherwise, the condition of the victim may deteriorate sharply and lead to complete immobilization of the lower limb.

Causes of development of

Why does the ankle hurt? Inflammation of the joint, discomfort during walking, as well as other unpleasant sensations in this joint may result from injuries or be one of the signs of existing diseases.

The reason for the patient's ankle pain can only be determined by a specialist after an individual examination, an X-ray examination or other procedures.

Most people with this problem do not consult a doctor. But even if you have a minor bruise, and the pain is only periodic, presumptive diagnoses and self-treatment is highly recommended, as this can lead to serious consequences.

Ankle pain can occur not only due to injury, but also due to the development of certain dysfunctions in the body or any diseases.

Joint injuries

Few people know, but even a minor ankle bruise can cause inflammation. The most common injuries that lead to severe pain in this articulation are sprains, fractures and dislocations. Let's consider their features in more detail.

Stretching of the ankle

Treatment of such an injury should be carried out immediately, as it causes a lot of discomfort.

This is the most common leg injury that can be obtained at any age, at any job and so on. Of course, most often it affects people who lead an active lifestyle and go in for sports.

Ankle sprain, treated by a traumatologist, is characterized by a sharp pain in the joint, as well as the formation of swelling and the development of inflammation.

Fractures of

Severe bruising of the ankle often leads to fracture of the joint. It can differ in type and complexity. In modern medicine, a fracture of the external ankle, calcaneus, and diaphysis of metatarsal bones is isolated. Such damage requires an urgent call to a doctor who, after receiving an X-ray or a CT scan, will determine what kind of treatment should be.

Ankle pain in fracture is more intense than with normal joint injuries. Unpleasant sensations can occur both at rest and during palpation. In this case, the lower limb may not be amenable to movement, and also acquire an unintentional shape and so on.

Dislocations

Such injuries are often accompanied by fractures. The offset of this joint can be partial. If the ankle ligament is not ruptured, then it is a question of subluxation.

First aid for trauma

If you are injured in the leg, and you have pain and swelling of the ankle, you should immediately contact the doctor. It is also very important to take the following first aid measures:

• The injured leg should only be at rest.
• Ankle should be applied to the ankle.
• If stretching occurs, then a tight bandage should be applied to the joint.
• The injured limb should be kept in a raised position. To facilitate under it, you can put a soft roller.

Diseases that cause pain in the ankle

Often the pain in the ankle is not associated with various injuries( eg, with bruising or stretching), but with the development of joint diseases. To such diseases it is possible to carry deforming arthrosis, and also some types of arthritis, including psoriatic and rheumatoid. Also, pain and swelling of the ankle occur with gout.

All these diseases can provoke not only inflammation of the joints, but also significantly worsen the condition of the tissues, which leads to an increased risk of dislocations and fractures.

Treatment of any problems with the ankle in the presence of certain diseases should be carried out in a complex and only under the supervision of a doctor.

The fact that the joint in question is worried about the patient due to exacerbation of the disease, and not because of injury, may indicate a general deterioration in the patient's well-being. In this case, not only the lower extremity becomes inflamed, but also the joints of other parts of the body.

How to treat ankle?

Methods of treatment of such a joint are selected based on the causes of pain and swelling.

During stretching, as well as slight bruising, dislocation or subluxation, the patient may need regular home care. If a person has a complex fracture, then there can not be no temporary hospitalization.

Treatment procedures for ankle recovery after injury can include the following:

• Preliminary detection of the condition of the injured leg. This procedure includes external examination and palpation, as well as X-rays and, if necessary, tomography.
• The use of pain medication, which is determined by the attending physician, depending on the nature of the disease or the type of injury.
• Imposition of a tight bandage, especially when stretched and dislocated.
• Carrying out of medical procedures, including surgical interventions, if the fracture is complicated.
• Full patient rest, fixed position of the injured leg.
• Physiotherapy procedures determined by the type of injury and the course of the illness.
• The use of external drugs to improve and accelerate healing, in order to prevent re-inflammation.
• Application of various orthopedic devices.
• Physiotherapy exercises and moderate physical activity.

It should also be noted that there are drugs that significantly improve the effectiveness of treatment, including preventing the formation of a foci of infection, improve cell regeneration and so on.

One can not help saying that many specialists require a revision of the patient's diet and supplementation with vitamin and mineral complexes.

Treatment of major diseases

If pain in the ankle arises from the development of arthrosis, arthritis and other diseases, then its elimination is carried out by treating the underlying causes. To do this, you should also consult a specialist. After diagnosing the disease, the doctor must prescribe a treatment that includes taking certain medications, physiotherapy procedures and other things.

Folk methods

The use of folk remedies for the treatment of pain in the ankle should only take place after consultation with the doctor. Most often as such methods use all sorts of lotions and compresses that can reduce inflammation and remove swelling.

Animal fats, kefir, a mixture of sugar, onion, soap, honey and salt can also be used as auxiliary products. In general, there are many recipes for folk medicine. However, all of them should be applied with extreme caution, in order not to aggravate the situation and not cause an allergic reaction.

After the basic treatment, the patient must necessarily undergo a rehabilitation course. This is relevant not only for fractures, but also for other serious injuries. It is necessary to perform special therapeutic exercises, as well as take medicine for a while in order to prevent relapses, if the causes of unpleasant feelings were associated with any diseases.

When to see a doctor?

If you have the following changes, you should immediately call your doctor:

• Severe inflammation, swelling, local fever, unnatural shape of lower limb.
• An unbearable pain during walking, as well as with palpation of the ankle.
• Unpleasant sensations in the field of trauma, which do not pass for a long time.
• A sudden pain syndrome or periodic pain that occurs not only in the ankle or in the area of ​​the injury, but also directly inside the bone.

It is also very important to take all necessary measures in time for suspicions of a strong fracture or other trauma.