Here is a discussion about common ailments for the ankle. As with many body issues, most of these conditions can be treated naturally with effective results.
Your ankle is the joint where your leg and foot meet. You may not give it much thought until a twist, sprain, or other ailment occurs, at which point every step reminds you that it is there. Pain can occur on the inside or outside of your ankle, or along your Achilles tendon (the connection point between your lower leg muscles and your heel bone).
Your ankle is a hinged joint that enables your foot to move away from or toward your body. Two of your leg bones (the tibia and fibula) meet a foot bone (talus) at your ankle, and the shinbone (tibia) forms the inner portion of the ankle while the fibula forms the outer portion. Those hard bony knobs on the sides of your ankle are called malleoli, and they help provide stability to your ankle, which must be strong enough to hold all your body weight.
Common ankle ailments are as follows:
Sprains- complete or partial tears to the ligaments.
Fractures- broken ankles.
Tendinitis or tendonitis- inflammation of the tendons typically caused by trauma or overuse, but may also be associated with diseases such as arthritis.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome- nerve compression at the ankle.
Infections- ankle joint infections are rare, and are typically secondary to impaired immune systems.
As mentioned, many of these aliments can be treated naturally. For example, sprains are commonly treated with ice, rest, and limited activity. Elevation of the area, as well as anti-inflammatory medications, can sometimes be recommended as well.
Of special concern:
- Inability to walk comfortably on the affected side
- Injury that causes deformity around the joint
- Ankle pain that occurs at night or while resting
- Ankle pain that persists beyond a few days
- Inability to bend the ankle
- Swelling of the joint or the calf area
- Signs of an infection, including fever, redness, warmth
- Any other unusual symptoms
If you are experiencing ankle pain or discomfort and are ready to book an appointment, I will be happy to work with you to figure out the best care pathway for your individual needs.
We also have more blog posts about ankle pain for further reading.
