Pain in the... ANKLE
20th November 2019
Article by Lucy Morland
Ankle pain can happen suddenly or over time. It could be from an obvious injury like an ankle sprain that can occur when the ligaments are overstretched or tear, chronic instability, stress fracture or from other medical conditions such as osteoarthritis, gout, local or referred nerve pain or altered biomechanics of the foot or lower limb.
The diagnosis of ankle pain is not always an easy task and a physiotherapist will take a history and assess movement and will provide an individual treatment plan that may include joint mobilisation, soft tissue work, clinical taping, acupuncture, exercises and electrotherapy including ultrasound or shockwave therapy and possible orthotic provision.
Treatment after any ankle injury should always consist of the RICED principles:
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevate
- Do no harm
Following this period regaining active movement of the ankle joint as well as improving strength, balance and proprioception through specific exercises.
