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The ankle is an essential joint that keeps us balanced and supports all of the body’s weight. It is made up of bones (the tibia, the talus, the fibula, etc.), bony structures (internal and external malleolus) and ligaments, which can be subjected to strong stress, injuries or diseases. If you experience ankle pain, it is sometimes recommended to consult a doctor.
What causes ankle pain?
Ankle pain can have different causes, linked to trauma (playing a sport or a repeated movement, shock, etc.) or to an illness. Among these causes, we can cite the main ones:
Sprain and strain
Sprains are the most common ankle injuries. It is defined by the stretching or tearing of the ankle ligaments, and generally occurs following a fall or sudden movement. We commonly speak of a sprained ankle to designate a sprain without a ligament tear. Pain is the main symptom of an ankle sprain , accompanied or not by redness, swelling, warmth and loss of mobility.
Achilles tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is located above the heel, behind the ankle. In case of overuse, especially among runners, or injury, inflammation of this tendon occurs. Achilles tendonitis causes pain and other symptoms such as morning stiffness, redness, swelling, etc. It must be treated to avoid worsening, particularly a tear of the tendon.
Achilles tendon rupture
When sudden tension is exerted on the Achilles tendon, it can rupture, partially or completely. This rupture manifests itself as sudden and intense pain behind the ankle. It requires medical treatment, with immobilization of the ankle, and sometimes surgical treatment in order to heal the tendon by bringing the two tendon ends together.
Ankle fracture
Following trauma, the ankle is painful and swollen, walking is difficult, or even impossible: it may be an ankle fracture . An x-ray allows the diagnosis to be made, as well as a CT scan for more complex fractures. Applying a cast or walking boot may be sufficient for a non-displaced fracture. Otherwise, surgery is necessary.
Ankle osteoarthritis
Ankle osteoarthritis corresponds to the mechanical and progressive wear of the cartilage of the ankle, and is manifested by pain, stiffness, joint swelling at the joint. It may have no cause, or be favored by certain risk factors (flat foot, excess weight, overuse of the ankle, old trauma, etc.). It is treated with medications (painkillers, anti-inflammatories, cartilage protectors), physiotherapy sessions and the wearing of foot orthotics. Surgical treatment may be offered if medical treatment fails.
Arthritis of the ankle
Arthritis of the ankle refers to an inflammatory reaction causing pain at rest and with movement. This inflammatory reaction may be due to osteoarthritis, or to other diseases: rheumatoid arthritis, gout.
What to do in case of sprain, how to relieve pain?
In the event of a strained or sprained ankle, there are several things you can do yourself first. First, it is necessary to stop the sport or activity practiced during the injury and to rest the ankle. To relieve the pain, you can apply an ice pack for about twenty minutes (placing a cloth between the skin and the ice to avoid a cold-related burn), as well as an anti-inflammatory ointment sold without a prescription in pharmacies. (in this case, ask the pharmacist for advice). You can also bandage your ankle (without tightening too much), wear venous compression socks or an ankle brace, and elevate the leg to limit swelling of the ankle. To relieve pain, it is recommended to take paracetamol. These solutions may be enough to heal a mild sprain, but if the pain does not subside quickly, it is necessary to consult a doctor to assess the severity of the sprain.
