Your ankles are the key to running, jumping and just about any physical activity that involves movement. They support your body in unimaginable ways. In fact, your ankles have the ability to carry forces equivalent to several times your body weight.

However, that’s not all your ankles can do. Your ankles bring virtue to movement — empowering vertical and horizontal motion. Simply put, ankles are the reason we can jump up and down and turn left and right.

On average Americans walk 4,000 steps a day. Over time, this may significantly utilize your ankles and cause pain. Ankle pain can certainly slow down or change your lifestyle temporarily, but, in many cases, it isn’t a permanent injury. It may simply require some special at-home attention.

Why am I experiencing ankle pain?

Often a result of an accidental fall or injury during physical activity, anyone can experience ankle pain — regardless of age. The symptoms are typically quite clear — difficulty putting weight on your ankle, swelling, redness or simply general pain originating from your ankle.

Ankle pain can come in a wide variety of imbalances, such as sprains, fractures, arthritis, tendinitis, and more. Most commonly, ankle pain is caused by a sprain, which is an injury to the ligaments connecting to your ankle bones. This is often the result of a twist or movement that overstretches or extends your ligament.

What can I do at home as a remedy for ankle pain?

As soon as you notice ankle pain, or have an injury that strains your ankle, take preventative measures to help alleviate any lasting pain or swelling. That way you can get back on your feet as soon as possible.

To bring balance and remedy your ankle, just remember RICE — Rest, Ice, Compress and Elevate — a simple and established at-home method for ankle pain relief and recovery.

• Rest to protect your ankles and be sure to stop any activity that causes further agitation.
• Ice to reduce pain and swelling, using a cold pack at 10 to 20-minute intervals.
• Compress to decrease swelling, wrapping a bandage around your ankle.
• Elevate to alleviate pain and swelling, lifting your foot and applying an ice pack.

As soon as your ankle’s soreness and pain subside, make sure to stretch daily before attempting to return to normal activities and exercises.

We’re here to help you find your balance

So, when should you visit a podiatrist for your ankle pain?

If the RICE method and over-the-counter pain relievers do not seem to be helping, there may be other solutions that can only be provided by a podiatrist that understands your unique biomechanics. In some cases, custom orthotics can put you on the right path to recovery. However, everyone’s unique feet and ankles require innovative solutions that fit their lifestyle and body. So, it’s best to schedule an appointment directly with a podiatrist for foot and ankle pain relief.

From medical and surgical appointments to aesthetics and wellness, Balance Foot & Ankle’s well-rounded and comprehensive approach to foot and ankle treatment fosters an environment of excellence, hospitality and compassion within a contemporary yet warm setting.

Experience a balanced approach to total wellbeing at a location convenient for you.