The ankle is an intricate network of bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles that are strong enough to bear body weight and flexible enough to allow running, jumping and side-to-side motion. Ankle pain can be felt on the inside or outside of the ankle joint, and can be caused by bone breaks, Achilles tendon injuries, arthritis, tendon or ligament sprains, strains or infection. Treatment methods depend on the cause of the pain and the severity of the condition.
RICE
Rest, ice, compression and elevation--RICE, for short--are the immediate first aid procedures for an ankle injury, according to MayoClinic.com. Protection of the joint will help to speed healing and reduce recovery time. There should be no weight bearing until the individual is sure there is no break to the bone. Ice should be applied several times per day to reduce swelling and pain. Compression bandages will help to give external support to the joint and reduce swelling, while elevation above the level of the heart will reduce the amount of dependent swelling in the ankle.
Physical Therapy
A sports medicine injury specialist will guide the patient through improving flexibility, strengthening and stability after the joint is ready for physical therapy. According to Sportsinjuryclinic.net, a physicians, sports medicine therapists and physical therapists will help patients learn to tape the ankle to give added support, may use ultrasound to reduce pain and inflammation, and will teach cross friction massage to reduce the development of scar tissue. A full rehabilitation program will utilize exercises that patients will do at home and at follow-up appointments where progress will be measured.
Medications
Physicians may choose to prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Anti-inflammatory medications are useful to reduce the inflammatory response in cases of arthritis and injury. Physicians may recommend over-the-counter medications or may prescribe a stronger drug, depending on the severity of injury.
Weight Control
Individuals suffering from arthritis in the ankle may benefit from weight loss to reduce the amount of weight the ankle must carry each day. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends weight loss and a brace or a cane, depending on the situation. Braces may be over-the-counter or specifically designed for the individual, called an ankle-foot-orthoses. Shoe inserts to help support the arch of the foot and place the foot in correct alignment will also reduce the amount of pain and discomfort.
Surgery
Injuries that involve complicated bone breaks or tendon ruptures may require surgical intervention to repair the problem. In some cases the injury appears benign, but can progress and lead to complications. A peroneal tendon injury can happen suddenly or develop over time in athletes who perform sports that require repetitive ankle motion, or those who have high arched feet. The injury can progress to a point where surgery is required to repair the tendon and stabilize the ankle.
