Ankle Pain

This could be due to a number of reasons. If the pain has gradually increased overtime it could be indicative of an arthritic condition. If it has suddenly developed it could be due to a systemic issue such as gout. Without carrying out a full assessment of your medical history and your foot/ankle it is difficult to identify the cause of your pain and therefore advise the best way to relieve the symptoms.

This will depend on what is causing your ankle pain, often rest and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and over the counter pain relief will help, a compression support may also provide some comfort.

The symptoms you experience can vary depending on your condition. It is advised to get an accurate diagnosis if you have:

• inflammation in and around the joints
• restricted movement of the joints
• joint pain, tenderness and stiffness – especially when moving after a period of rest
• warm red skin over the affected joint
• weakness and muscle wasting

This will depend on what is causing your ankle pain. The best treatment for any issue is to reduce the symptoms while also addressing the cause of the pain. Rest can help relieve symptoms along with some over the counter pain relief/non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. Gradual stretches/mobility exercises to try to improve any joint restrictions may be advised along with strengthening the muscles surrounding the ankle/foot. Exercises to improve balance and co-ordination are also very good for long term relief from ankle pain.

This will depend on what the injury is, the severity of the injury and how you tolerate the rehab programme and more importantly what you want to get back to doing. A ligament sprain will take less time to heal than a fracture. The goal of a rehab programme for a sedentary office worker will be different to that of a regular sports player with an active job.

This will depend on your gait when walking. If you are not limping, and it is not too painful when walking then yes go for it. Be sure to gradually build up time/distance that you walk and initially try walking on a flat surface before introducing uneven terrain. Take note of how your ankle feels at the time of walking and for up to 24hours following. If pain/swelling increases consider walking less until it reduces and then gradually increase as tolerated.