Have you been experiencing persistent ankle pain for the past couple of weeks, with difficulty moving and performing everyday activities? Here’re a few reasons why your ankle is hurting the way it is, and what needs to be done about it.
Ankle Sprain
Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments (bands of tissue) connecting the leg bones with the feet bones twist or contort at an odd angle. This movement causes the ligaments to stretch beyond their optimum capacity, causing them to tear okay. Ankle sprains are one of the most common forms of ankle ailments, and account for 14% of sports related injuries.
Swelling, bruising, and pain can accompany ankle sprains. You may also have difficulty walking and feel discomfort shifting weight from one foot to the other. What’s more, ankle sprains can also cause cartilage, tendons, and blood vessels to be damaged, and reduce your range of motion. To speed up this type of injury and reduce ankle pain, PRP injection therapy can help tremendously.
Ankle Fracture
Ankle pain may also be because of a broken bone. Fracturing your fibula, tibia, or talus bone can result in pain, swelling and bruising. In fact, an ankle fracture may even go unnoticed for a while and you may continue walking with a broken bone (in discomfort, of course) until the pain becomes unbearable. In more severe cases, the exposed bone indicates ankle fracture.
In such a situation, it’s best to follow the RICE technique until you get a medical consultation. Keeping your foot rested (R), iced (I), compressed (C), and elevated (E) can help keep the pain at bay. You may be required to rest your ankle in a splint or a cast to maintain correct bone placement and allow quick healing.
Achilles Tendinitis
A sudden strain or overuse can also affect your Achilles tendon, causing tendon tears or inflammation. Since the Achilles tendon connects your heel to your calf muscles, this can result in ankle swelling. Your ankle may also feel tender or warm near the heel, especially in the morning or right after you’ve exercised.
The pain and swelling caused by ankle tendinitis may subside through anti-inflammatory drugs and an extended period of rest. However, if the problem continues for more than two weeks, it’s best to opt for injection therapy to speed up healing.
At RegenerVate Medical Injection Therapy, we specialise in PRP treatment which can be used to alleviate ankle pain and treat various other musculoskeletal conditions.
Call us at 1 855 847-3975 to make an appointment at our clinic in the greater Toronto area!
