Anyone can experience ankle pain, and not treating it can result in a not-so-functional joint that will make everyday tasks more difficult. If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort in your ankle, then this is the perfect guide for you!
The Anatomy of an Ankle
There are only a couple of bones that connect to the ankle joint: the end of the shinbone and the fibula form a socket that the talus sits within. The end of the talus rests against the heel bone known as the calcaneus, with an inch of pliable cartilage lining the joint. It’s tough and durable while providing shock absorption when carrying body weight. This joint should last a lifetime if it doesn’t experience trauma. Even though this section is held together with ligaments and muscles, any injuries can disrupt those, as well as the tendon and bone itself.
What Causes Ankle Pain?
Any sort of pain or discomfort can be labelled as ankle pain, whether it’s caused by a specific injury or a medical condition. One of the most common causes of ankle pain is a sprain to the ligament, either from being torn or overstretched. For one to two weeks, you can expect an ankle sprain to be swollen and bruised. However, it can take much longer for a more severe injury to heal completely. Once a sprain is healed, it’ll be noticeable weaker and less stable than an uninjured ankle. Now, while a sprained ankle makes up about 85% of all reported ankle pain, other causes for discomfort can include arthritis, gout, sciatica and other nerve damage, an infection within the joint or a blockage in the blood vessels.
Initial Home Remedies
For any ankle pain that sprouts up, it’s recommended that you utilize the RICE method before seeing a chiropractor or other medical professional. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. To prevent further damage, don’t put weight on your ankle. Keep it immobile for the following days and use crutches if you meet to move. When icing your ankle, don’t place the ice pack directly to your skin, as it can damage it. Place a towel between and ice it for no more than 20 minutes a session, several times a day. This will numb the area of pain and reduce any swelling. Wrap the ankle in an elastic bandage, tight enough that the ankle is stable but not enough to cause numbness. Lastly, keep your ankle raised above heart level, placing it on a stack of pillows or another supportive surface.
Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractic care is a highly effective treatment option if you’re dealing with ankle pain. Your chiropractor will assess the damage and determine the cause through x-rays, an MRI or other diagnostic methods. This will determine the best treatment plan moving forward. Chiropractic care can reduce your pain without involving medication with negative side effects. Regular chiropractic visits will not only heal your initial injury but help to improve the strength, stability and mobility of your ankle. This non-invasive option is a natural and efficient approach to healing your ankle pain.
If you’re experiencing acute pain, chronic pain or just had surgery, then it’s time to give us a call. At the Oshawa Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Wellness Centre, we provide chiropractic treatments, massage therapy, laser treatments, acupuncture, physiotherapy and more. Give us a call or visit our website to book an appointment today!