Ankle Injury

For most people, pain is the first indication that something is not right with their body. Usually due to an underlying injury, ankle pain refers to any kind of sudden or worsening discomfort affecting any part of the ankle. Anyone of any age can experience ankle pain. This condition is often caused by an accidental fall or a sports injury. It is more common in athletes and active men under the age of 24. In women, ankle pain is more prevalent in those over 30. It can affect one or both of your ankles.

Causes

Ankle pain is most commonly caused by a sprain. A sprain is an injury to the ligaments that connect your bones. This can occur when the ankle is twisted out of its normal position, usually towards the inside of the leg, causing your ligament to overstretch or tear.

Ankle pain can also be caused by a fracture of one of the bones in your ankle. Because the fibula is quite small compared to the tibia, it is the bone that most commonly breaks. Less common causes of ankle pain include arthritis, gout, and infection.

Achilles tendonitis, or overusing the calf muscles at the back of the leg, can also cause ankle pain. This is more common in runners.

Symptoms

In addition to pain, an injury to your ankle will usually result in swelling, and sometimes bruising, too. Often, you will not be able to bear any weight on your ankle.

If you notice any of these symptoms and moderate to severe ankle pain, you should stay off of your foot and contact a doctor as soon as possible.

Acute Pain
Acute pain usually comes on suddenly in response to an injury and may come and go. The sensation may be similar to coming into contact with a sharp object.

Bone Protrusions
Bone protrusions occur when the broken end of the tibia (shinbone) has torn through the soft tissues and is protruding through the skin.

Bruises
Bruises, or contusions, appear when the tiny blood vessels in the skin are damaged due to trauma. They are often visible by the discoloration they cause.

Infection
Infection is an invasion and multiplication of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are not normally present within your body.

Inflammation
Inflammation is a process by which the white blood cells, and substances they produce, protect us from an infection of foreign organisms, such as bacteria.

Instability Of The Affected Area
The human anatomy is structured for balance and movement. When these structures making up the joints weaken, instability of the affected area may occur.

Numbness
Numbness, or tingling, is often described as a “pins and needles” sensation. Although temporary, this may cause pain or discomfort.

Heel Pain
Heel pain is pain localized in the back of the foot. Heel pain may be due to numerous conditions, including a stress fracture, tendonitis, arthritis, nerve irritation or, rarely, a cyst.

Rolled Ankle
A rolled ankle is characterized by the outer or inner side of the ankle giving way, and may be a recurring problem due to an injury or deformity.

Potential Treatments

Treatment for ankle pain depends on the cause, and whether it is a sprain or fracture.
While treating ankle pain, it is advised that you stay off your foot (with the use of crutches) for a few days or weeks.

When reclining, it’s usually suggested to:

  • Elevate your foot.
  • Apply ice to your ankle to reduce swelling (up to three times a day).
  • Prescribe a compression bandage to reduce swelling.
  • Take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen to reduce swelling and pain.
  • In cases of severe Ankle Injury, surgery may be necessary.
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