For anyone that has ever suffered from foot and ankle pain or injury, you quickly realize how immobile it can leave you. Whether you’re constantly on your feet for work or stay active in your free time, foot and ankle pain can not only cause severe discomfort but can often lead to greater, more serious injury.
So, how do you treat that pain before allowing it to develop into something more? Surprisingly, there are many ways to treat varying symptoms of pain or injury to help recuperate. Let’s look at some of the most common problems that people can experience and how to take the first step toward recovery.
Arthritis of the Feet
Much like arthritis of the hands, arthritis in your feet can cause utter discomfort and pain, as arthritis is a term to describe inflammation within a particular joint. In regards to the feet, some experience pain when rotating the foot; redness or swelling around the ankle; tenderness or, in severe cases and from prolonged exposure, foot deformity. Although different types of arthritis have different warning signs, it’s important to take precautionary steps to eliminating arthritis or even experiencing it at all.
Possible Remedies:
- Wearing the proper size of shoe is important. Nothing too tight around the base and toes. Getting fitted regularly should help determine the correct footwear for you.
- Anti-inflammatory medication, such as Ibuprofen or Aspirin is a good way to relieve swelling. Only take anti-inflammatory drugs that your doctor has approved.
- In some instances, surgical correction may be necessary. The Foot & Ankle specialists at Methodist McKinney Hospital can help determine if surgery is a viable option for you.
Sprained Ankle
The ankle is pivotal for walking, so a sprained ankle can significantly limit your mobility. A sprain occurs when the ligaments in the ankle are stretched further than usual or twisted in an unnatural way. Sometimes this type of ankle trauma can lead to a partial or complete tear. If you experience pain in the ankle and feel you may have strained or sprained it, remember the acronym RICE:
- R – Rest: Get off your feet as quickly as possible.
- I – Ice: Apply ice on and off every 20 minutes.
- C – Compression: Keep light pressure around the injured area.
- E – Elevate: Raise the foot so that it’s higher than the rest of the body.
If the pain doesn’t subside or is still severe, visit your doctor to have it examined for further damage.
Hammertoe
A hammertoe refers to a toe that remains curled or in a bent position instead of straightening out. As a result, the knuckle of the toe may protrude and become inflamed. It can also result to painful calluses and significant discomfort.
Treatment:
Treatment can vary depending on the situation. If pain occurs on the top of the toe, a tubular slip-on padding would work well to relieve pain. Any calluses on the tip of the toe can be removed with a crest pad, which will sit under the toe and will help straighten and lift the toe. If padding doesn’t correct the issue, surgery may be required.
Ankle and foot pain can affect anyone with varying levels of activity. Yet, it’s very important to try to remedy the pain before getting too severe. If you’re suffering from foot and ankle pain, our trained podiatrists and specialists can help you get back to a pain-free life. For more information, visit with us today.