If you have ankle problems, either in the past or presently, you know how painful and life-altering they can be. First and foremost, ankle pain should not be ignored. There are treatments your podiatrist can recommend that can help alleviate your symptoms and prevent permanent damage. Make an appointment to see Dr. Dustin or Dr. Spencer today, and find out what options you have and how to get appropriate pain relief. An x-ray or further imaging may be necessary to diagnose your condition accurately.
Ankle problems are the result of biomechanical abnormalities with the bones, ligaments, and tendons in the joint. Sometimes this is a result of age, other times it can be from injury or disease. Bones can break, tendons and ligaments can tear or stretch too much, and the way you walk can be negatively affected. The trick is to not let these problems go too long without treatment. Until you are able to see your foot and ankle doctor, however, remember the word “RICE.” Although this term doesn’t initially sound like it would help your ankle woes, when you look at the word as an acronym, it becomes clear how helpful it can be.
Rest- Restrict your activity and get off your foot and ankle. This will prevent further damage and reduce the blood flow to the affected area, thus reducing your pain and swelling.
Ice- Maintain an icing cycle of 20 minutes on and 40 minutes off after your pain begins.
Compression- Wrap and ace bandage around your ankle. The compression will keep the swelling down, which will ultimately help with pain relief, too.
Elevation- Make sure your foot and ankle is above your waist. This will help reduce swelling and pain.
Making an appointment with your podiatrist, along with following the RICE formula, will help relieve your ankle pain and put you on the road to recovery.
Ankle problems are the result of biomechanical abnormalities with the bones, ligaments, and tendons in the joint. Sometimes this is a result of age, other times it can be from injury or disease. Bones can break, tendons and ligaments can tear or stretch too much, and the way you walk can be negatively affected. The trick is to not let these problems go too long without treatment. Until you are able to see your foot and ankle doctor, however, remember the word “RICE.” Although this term doesn’t initially sound like it would help your ankle woes, when you look at the word as an acronym, it becomes clear how helpful it can be.
Rest- Restrict your activity and get off your foot and ankle. This will prevent further damage and reduce the blood flow to the affected area, thus reducing your pain and swelling.
Ice- Maintain an icing cycle of 20 minutes on and 40 minutes off after your pain begins.
Compression- Wrap and ace bandage around your ankle. The compression will keep the swelling down, which will ultimately help with pain relief, too.
Elevation- Make sure your foot and ankle is above your waist. This will help reduce swelling and pain.
Making an appointment with your podiatrist, along with following the RICE formula, will help relieve your ankle pain and put you on the road to recovery.
