FOOT & ANKLE PAIN
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FOOT & ANKLE PAIN
Ankle pain is a sign of an injury, arthritis or overuse. Most ankle pain improves with rest, ice, compression, elevation and pain relievers. Injury to any of the ankle bones, ligaments or tendons and several types of arthritis can cause ankle pain. Common causes of ankle pain include.
- Achilles tendinitis
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Avulsion fracture
- Broken foot
- Bursitis (joint inflammation)
- Gout (arthritis related to excess uric acid)
- Osteoarthritis (disease causing the breakdown of joints)
- Osteochondritis dissecans
- Plantar fasciitis
- Pseudogout
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Reactive arthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis (inflammatory joint disease)
- Septic arthritis
- Sprained ankle
- Stress fractures
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
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Seek immediate medical attention if you
- Have severe pain or swelling
- Have an open wound or severe deformity
- Have signs of infection, such as redness, warmth and tenderness in the affected area or a fever greater than 100 F (37.8 C)
- Cannot put weight on your foot
For many ankle injuries, self-care measures ease the pain. Examples include
Rest
Keep weight off your ankle as much as possible. Take a break from your normal activities.
Ice
Place an ice pack or bag of frozen peas on your ankle for 15 to 20 minutes three times a day.
Compression
Use a compression bandage to reduce swelling.
Elevation
Elevate your foot above the level of your heart to help reduce swelling.
Over-the-counter pain medications
Drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) can ease pain and aid healing.
