Your ankles play a crucial role in your daily life, providing the foundation for your mobility and connecting your feet to the rest of your body. Whether we’re walking, running, or standing, our ankles bear the brunt of our body weight. So, when those seemingly sturdy joints start to ache, it can be both concerning and challenging to live with. Let’s take a closer look at understanding what might be going on with your ankles, and importantly, what to do about it.
Overuse and Strain
Ankle pain often stems from a common culprit—overuse. If you’ve recently pushed yourself through intense physical activity, amped up your exercise routine, or spent extended hours on your feet, your ankles might be sending out signals for a break. After these types of activities, it’s important to give your joints some well-deserved rest. Elevate your feet and consider applying ice to ease inflammation. Before diving into work or other activities, take a moment to apply heat and stretch your ankles. This warms them up and helps alleviate any stiffness.
Improper Footwear
The shoes we wear play a significant role in the health of our ankles. Both poorly fitting and unsupportive footwear can lead to various lower limb issues, including ankle pain. High heels, worn-out work boots, or shoes that lack proper arch support can allow your feet and ankles to twist too much to the inside or too far to the outside, straining your ankle joints and the tissues around them. Prioritizing comfortable, supportive shoes that provide stability for your feet is one of the best ways to reduce ankle pain.
Sprains and Strains
Accidents are a part of life, and ankle injuries are a common outcome. Sprains and strains happen when the ligaments and tendons around the ankle undergo stretching or tearing. If you’ve recently suffered such an injury, it’s advisable to use the P.O.L.I.C.E. method: Protect, Optimally Load, Ice, Compress, and Elevate. Using ankle braces can be very helpful in safeguarding and appropriately loading the injured tissue, allowing mobility without exacerbating the damage. For more severe cases, seeking professional medical advice becomes essential to ensure proper care and recovery.
Arthritis
Ankle pain can be a sign of arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions cause inflammation in the joints, leading to pain and stiffness. If arthritis is a concern, seeking guidance from a healthcare professional is necessary to receive an accurate diagnosis. They can offer insights into managing your symptoms and provide advice on enhancing joint well-being. Early intervention and tailored care can significantly improve your quality of life despite arthritis-related challenges.
Flat Feet or High Arches
The natural structure of your feet can sometimes worsen your ankle pain. Conditions like flat feet and high arches can disrupt the distribution of weight and impact the alignment of your ankles. Individuals with high arches often experience stiff feet and heightened strain or pressure on the outside of their ankles. On the other hand, those with flat feet tend to feel increased strain and pressure on the inside of their ankles. Custom foot orthotics can be made to specifically address these issues, reducing your discomfort, and allowing you to continue your activities with much more comfort.
Ankle pain is a common ailment with a variety of potential causes. While some cases can be addressed at home, you may require professional medical attention. If your ankles are hurting and you can’t pinpoint the cause, we are here to help! Understanding the root cause of the pain is the first step towards finding an effective solution and restoring your ankle health. Contact your nearest BioPed today to keep your ankles in top shape and help keep them feeling comfortable and strong for whatever life brings your way!
Foot or lower limb pain? We can help!
Contact your local BioPed Footcare Clinic in Edmonton.
https://www.bioped.com/hawkstone/
- Medical Footcare in Edmonton
- Custom Orthotics in Edmonton
- Footwear Solutions in Edmonton
- Bracing Solutions in Edmonton
- Compression Therapy in Edmonton
