Relief and Treatment of Ankle Pain
Ankle pain relief is not as simple as one single solution because the causes for ankle pain can vary extensively. In some cases, it can be easy to alleviate ankle pain, while in other cases, the treatment and relief may take considerably more time and effort. Ankle pain is extremely common in athletes, especially in sports that require much movement or jumping, like basketball, football, field events, soccer, etc. However, athletes are not the only ones affected by ankle pain. It is a condition that can happen to anyone, young or old, for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, the problem is limited to the ankle pain, but in other cases, the ankle pain is only a symptom of a greater problem.
Ankle Pain Relief: Suggestions
The method or form of ankle pain relief is determined by the cause of the ankle pain. An ankle sprain, which is an injury to the ligaments of the ankle, is characterized by soreness and swelling and is one of the most common forms of ankle pain. Depending on the severity of the sprain, the primary treatment options are icing the injured ankle, elevating the ankle, limiting the amount of weight carried by the ankle, and basic anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen or the stronger Aleve. Elastic bandages wrapped around the ankle can also provide ankle pain relief because it gives the injured joint more stability and requires it to support less weight.
Other causes of ankle pain are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic gouty arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and septic arthritis. These conditions are more extensive than a simple ankle sprain and will probably affect other joints of the body in addition to the ankle. To provide ankle pain relief caused by any of these conditions, it is best to get medical treatment for the bigger cause because in these cases the ankle pain is only a symptom and not the actual problem. Osteoarthritis can be prevented or helped by taking calcium or other supplements, such as chondroitin and glucosamine, which are designed to help with joint repair. Rest and elevation of the ankle are also recommended treatments because they decrease blood flow to the affected area and lessen swelling.
If ankle pain is exceptionally severe, the problem may be serious, such as a broken or fractured bone. If pain persists and does not lessen with these mentioned treatment options, visiting a medical or orthopedic doctor is necessary to prevent long-term damage that may be caused by ignoring a broken bone. In any case, if you are unsure about the cause of the pain, ask a doctor to avoid potential problems and alleviate the pain more quickly.
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