Ankle pain can be incredibly frustrating! Whether it is from an old injury, wear and tear from everyday activities or sprains, it can limit how much we move and enjoy life. There is good news, ankle pain can be managed and one of the best options is through ankle bracing.
Why Does My Ankle Hurt?
We often experience ankle pain because our ankles bear our entire body weight and move constantly. Ankle pain can be caused by several different issues, including:
- Tendonitis: This is inflammation of the tendons that connect muscle to bone and is a common overuse injury. You may experience swelling and discomfort around the ankle or on one side only. This type of injury can occur over time or following an injury.
- Sprains: This injury occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn. Ligaments connect bone to bone. You may experience redness, swelling and heat in the injured area. This type of injury is usually acute or sudden.
- Arthritis: This is inflammation of the joint. It causes stiffness and pain at the affected joint. Many times, arthritis is age-related, and it is caused by the wear and tear of daily life.
- Previous Injuries: Sometimes old injuries can flare up and cause discomfort. There can be scar tissue build-up, worn cartilage or even a chip fracture that never was diagnosed. These past injuries can resurface as stiffness or pain with activity.
Regardless of the reason for the ankle pain, if you are dealing with persistent ankle pain, it may be time to explore solutions that can help support your ankle and provide relief.
How Can Ankle Bracing Help?
Ankle braces are designed in such a way that they provide stability, support the ankle and reduce pain during activity. They can play a significant role in helping clients move more comfortably: Ankle braces can:
- Promote Healing: By limiting certain movements, ankle braces can give the ankle time to heal and prevent further damage.
- Reduce Swelling: Some braces have compressive material built in, which helps to reduce swelling and improve blood flow to the ankle.
- Provide Support: Ankle braces provide stability to the ankle and prevent unwanted movements that might cause pain or re-injury.
What Else Can You Do?
There are other treatment options that you can do to support your ankle and relieve pain.
- Rest, Ice and Elevate: If you find your ankle swollen and painful after your activities, apply ice for 15-20 minutes to reduce inflammation. Remember to never apply ice directly to the skin. Always have a barrier like a towel between the ice and the skin. Try to reduce your activity to allow for healing and elevate your ankle above the level of your heart to reduce any swelling.
- Proper Footwear: Wear footwear that matches your activity. For example, if you play pickleball, wear court shoes that allow you to pivot safely. Make sure that your ankles and feet are supported. Cushion and arch support can make a huge difference!
- Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Gentle stretches and strengthening exercises can improve flexibility and make your ankle more resilient to injury.
- Custom Orthotics: Sometimes ankle pain can be directly related to the mechanics of how your foot moves when you walk and stand. Incorporating custom orthotics can realign the foot and ankle to help relieve pain.
When to See a BioPed Clinician
If you’ve tried rest, ice, elevation and exercises but you’re still experiencing ankle pain, it might be time to consult with a BioPed clinician. They can help you explore options such as ankle bracing, custom orthotics, or other supports designed to help you move more freely and comfortably.
Remember, while ankle pain can slow you down, there are ways to manage it. Ankle bracing, combined with other supportive measures can help you get back to doing more in your daily life—whether that’s walking, exercising, or just being active without discomfort.
