Ankle pain can take different forms and intensities. In its most severe form, ankle pain is debilitating and seriously impacts the rest of the body. Recognizing the signs that ankle pain is becoming more severe can help you address these issues before they become out of hand. If you are struggling with ankle pain, look at this guide. It describes how ankle pain can affect the rest of the body and whether you should seek ankle pain treatment.
An Overview of Ankle Pain
In general, many different sources of ankle pain can cause this type of discomfort to develop. Ankles are complex centers of bones and ligaments and are comprised of the following components:
- Muscles
- Nerves
- Tendons
- Ligaments
- Blood vessels
- Bones
If any of these multivarious components is seriously afflicted, an individual is at a higher risk for developing ankle pain. If the ankle pain is mild, it may subside on its own accord.
However, in more severe situations, then you may have to engage with a medical professional to consult and describe your situation. Then, a more comprehensive plan can be made surrounding your ankle pain situation. In the case of more severe ankle injuries, such as broken bones, you may require surgery.
Different Sources of Ankle Pain
There are many different places that ankle pain can come from. Some of the most common sources include:
- Tendinitis
- Ankle sprains
- Sports injuries
- Achilles tendon issues
- Pinched nerves
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- High-arched feet
On top of these other issues, things like infections in other parts of the body can also inflict ankle pain from other parts of the body. Your physician should be able to help you identify whether or not this is a source of your pain.
Relieving Ankle Pain
There are many different steps you can take to relieve ankle pain beyond resorting to an invasive surgery. Of course, should your ankle pain be deemed severe enough, there is a solid chance that your doctor will determine that surgery is the best course of action. Anything short of that, it is likely that your physician will prescribe some of the following activities:
- Ice: Applying a cold compress or an ice pack to a painful ankle can help to reduce inflammation and pain. Applying this to your ankle for at least 15 minutes a day can make a significant difference.
- Rest: Avoiding putting too much pressure on your ankle after it has exhibited pain and discomfort can help to prevent your condition from becoming more severe.
- Compression: Wrapping your ankle in an elastic bandage can reduce the swelling and pain that’s present in many forms of ankle pain.
- Elevation: You may be advised to prop your ankle above your chest frequently.
- Anti-inflammatory medication: Several anti-inflammatory medications can be prescribed to help your ankle pain. Common products such as ibuprofen and naproxen can help reduce pain and swelling.
How Does Ankle Pain Impact the Rest of the Body?
Ankle pain can have a significant impact on the rest of the body. However, much of the overall severity of this impact relates to the seriousness of the injury or condition that is causing your ankle pain in the first place.
Should an individual be suffering from a broken ankle or a severely sprained ankle, there’s a possibility that an individual’s gait can be disrupted to a severe enough degree that it can impact the rest of the skeletal system. By impacting the overall skeletal structure of an individual, and possibly even their spine, many different issues can arise as time goes on.
Additionally, some of the impact of these physiological issues can contribute to a growing sense of mental malaise as time goes on. In general, reducing the impact that your ankle pain has on your life will lessen the chance that it will lead to more severe problems down the line.
Contact Us Today
Foot and Ankle Concepts, Inc. is widely regarded as one of the most trusted foot doctors in Southern California. Now that you know how ankle pain can affect the rest of the body, contact us today to find out why we are the most popular podiatrist serving Santa Barbara County and discuss your options.
