The pain in the ankle may be sharp or dull, depending upon the severity and reason. You may notice swelling around the ankle bone. The most common cause of ankle pain [ปวด ข้อ เท้า] is due to sprain in the ankle. According to a National Institute of Health Sciences study, it comprises about eighty-five percent of ankle injuries. An ankle sprain is when the ligament surrounding the ankle bone gets overstretched due to sudden twisting or rolling of the foot. Treatment at home is generally sufficient for most ankle-related injuries, but sometimes surgery or some special care may be necessary.
Reasons behind ankle pain
Though the most common cause for ankle pain is sprain or strain, other factors contribute to it. Specific arthritis like osteoarthritis and gout can cause severe discomfort to the ankle. The other reasons may be blockages in blood vessels, nerve damage, or infection in the joints. The higher concentration of uric acid can deposit crystals in the joint resulting in gout. Bacterial or fungal infection can be infectious to the bones of the ankle and lead to septic arthritis. The autoimmune disease known as lupus causes ankle pain due to fluid build-up in the joints. Several other diseases may cause direct or indirect pain in the ankle.
Remedy at home
The immediate treatment that you can start at home to relieve ankle pain is by taking ample rest and avoiding putting pressure on the foot. Crutches and cane can help you in achieving this. Applying ice to the swollen ankle for twenty minutes at an interval of ninety minutes three to five times a day can effectively reduce swelling and numbness. Wrapping up the ankle with an elastic bandage not very tightly will provide a cushion and warmth. Keeping the feet in an elevated position above the heart with the help of some support structure can prove very useful.
