Ankle pain can be caused by strains, sprains or even conditions such as arthritis. There are basic first aid measures and treatment for each type of pain that can be effective in restoring the functionality of the affected ankles as well as allowing the individual to resume daily activities or sports.
It is important that the appropriate care and treatment is provided right away in order to prevent any disruption with daily activities as well as in sports in which the individual engages in.
Sprains and strains
The most common cause of injury to the ankle is a sprain. An ankle sprain basically involves damage to the ligaments that are present within the ankle which typically involves those that run along the exterior side of the ankle. Ligaments are the tissues that connect the bones. Take note that the severity of the sprain usually depends on the number of ligaments involved and whether they are torn or pulled. If you want to learn how to effectively treat a sprain, click here. As for ankle strains, it involves almost any soft tissue in the foot.
First aid care for ankle injuries involves preventing the condition from worsening, thus it would require rest. Instruct the individual to stay off his/her feet until the ankle fully heals. Take note that placing weight on the ankle can worsen the injury or prevent it from healing. Application of ice will also help reduce the swelling and pain. Compression bandages are also recommended to immobilize partially the ankle to prevent unwanted injury or aggravating the condition. The affected ankle must also be elevated to prevent excess blood from pooling around the injury site.
Ankle pain due to arthritis
Pain caused by arthritis is usually triggered by exposure to cold. The recommended management for ankle pain that is triggered by arthritis is to use a sock made of thick material with the toe part cut off as an ankle warmer. You can even find ankle warmers available in the market.
In some cases, the acid present in orange juice can aggravate arthritis. With this in mind, the individual must avoid orange juice and drink more fluids as a way to deal with the pain caused by arthritis.
When to consult a doctor
There are cases when it is important to consult a doctor or seek emergency assistance. In case the injury was sustained more than 24 hours ago and the ankle is still too painful to bear or support any weight, it is best to visit a doctor. It is also advised to consult a doctor if the ankle pain continues to persist for more than four days and not related to an injury. If the injury to the ankle leads to swelling or bruises develops as well as the loosening of the joint, you have to consult a doctor as soon as possible.