What Could Be The Cause Of Sudden Ankle Pain Without Injury

Ankle pain is a burning pain or discomfort that affects your ankle. It may cause stiffness and inflammation. Potential reasons include rheumatoid arthritis, ankle fractures, and natural wear and tear. If the joint pain isn’t too severe, ice, rest, and over-the-counter pain relievers should suffice. Even though ankle sprains and arthritis can be very painful, a doctor can help without having to do surgery. Fractures of the heel bone, foot bones, and ankle bones, on the other hand, would need the care of ankle surgeons and therapists to treat severe pain and prevent further injuries.

How Common Is Ankle Pain?

The following people are susceptible to ankle pain in Eagle Mountain, UT:

Above the age of 65
Obese guys
Participate in field events

Top Causes Of Unexpected Ankle Pain Without Injury

Sudden intense pain in your lower leg is a common problem for most Eagle Mountain, UT residents. These are the most common causes of ankle pain without injury.

Fractures: Minor accidents can lead to fractures. Ankle fractures can reach the bones in the ankle joint. As a result, it causes painful ankle swelling.
Sprains: These happen whenever you force roll your ankle out of position.
Bursitis: This condition occurs when the bursae of the foot bone become inflamed or irritated.
Tendonitis: As a connective tissue between the muscle and the bones, the Achilles tendon can lead to Achilles tendonitis when they get torn.
Arthritis: Pain and stiffness in your ankle joint is mostly linked to ankle arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage collapses and bones rub together. Injuries and overuse are the main triggers of ankle arthritis.
Gout: It is arthritis caused by excess uric acid throughout the body. The excess uric acid creates particles that occupy the joints.
Flat feet: This condition is caused by a low or no arch. It results in pain and swelling in the ankle or entire feet.
Infection: Bacterial infections like staph infection, cellulitis, and bone spurs, can also trigger ankle problems.

How To Determine The Causes Of Ankle Pain?

A physical examination is the first step that your health provider will take to determine the cause of the pain in your ankle. The provider will check for bruises, pain, and swelling in the ankle and foot. If they’re unsure of soft tissue and bone injury, they will arrange imaging tests. X-ray, MRI, or CT scan for detailed examination.

Common Home Remedies For Pain Relief

Try the following remedies to relieve pain:

Rest: It works for cases such as ankle sprain pain. You should take bed rest for some time. Also, use crutches/ walking boots to move around. It lessens stress on your ankle
Elevation: During the night, patients with ankle pain should try sleeping with their feet elevated at night and while resting. When your feet are above the heart, swelling reduces.
Compression: It involves wrapping an elastic bandage around your ankle. It works well for inflammation. You need to be careful not to wrap it more tightly.
Supportive footwear: Having an ankle problem? Wear shoes that provide maximum support to your ankles and feet. As a precaution, put on appropriate footwear when playing any sports since they’re associated with ankle injuries
Ice: It reduces swelling in the affected area, especially when you apply it for 15 to 20 minutes every few hours.
Over-the-counter pain medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduces pain and swelling. Ensure you consult your health provider before taking any medicine.

How Do Foot And Ankle Surgeons Treat Ankle Pain?

A little pain in your ankle will heal with home remedies. But cases such as ankle fractures or any other severe injury will need the attention of a foot and ankle doctor. Below are treatments recommended for people with ankle pain:

Braces and splints: A foot surgeon will recommend an ankle brace to ease pain and stabilize your broken ankle. He will choose the best braces to suit your lifestyle.
Orthotic inserts: Your health provider will insert orthotics that fit into your shoe to remedy your foot pain. It creates support and ensures proper alignment. Steroid injections are also administered to patients suffering from joint pain and bone infection
Medications: Inflammatory arthritis can be treated with several medications. Taking Drugs such as painkillers for arthritis lessens pain after an ankle injury.
Joint aspiration: Orthopaedic surgeons perform this procedure if the CT scans show excess fluid. It reduces pain and swelling at the same joint.

How To Prevent Ankle Pain?

Staying fit and keeping your tendons, ligaments, and bones healthy makes you less vulnerable. Maintaining healthy body weight is key to preventing injury-related pain. Remember, excess weight exerts pressure on both ankles and joints. It also helps to strengthen your muscles. The stronger your muscles, the lower your risk of injury or ankle sprain.

Don’t ignore ankle pain. If an activity or slight movement is uncomfortable, take a well-deserved break. Continuing with exercise can worsen the condition. Proper warming before exercising also reduces the possibility of your ligaments and tendons getting torn.

When Should You Be Concerned About Ankle Pain?

Call your healthcare provider if:

Ankle pain is severe or persists after two to three days of at-home treatment.
Pain and swelling come on suddenly.
The affected area appears red or warm to the touch, or you have a fever, which could indicate infection.
You can’t put weight on your ankle.

Struggling With An Ankle Sprain Or Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain? Contact The Best Foot Doctors In Eagle Mountain, UT.

Whether due to injury or arthritis, ankle pain can make life uncomfortable. Too much exercise and poorly fitting shoes can compound the problem. If you’re looking for the best treatment for ankle pain in Eagle Mountain, UT, visit Rogers Foot and Ankle Institute. We help patients like you overcome pain from a sprained ankle, ankle fracture, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis through therapy and other effective solutions. Call 801-756-4200 to book an appointment.