If you feel a sharp pain in your ankle when you first stand up in the morning or after sitting for long periods, you probably have some arthritis in your ankle joint. Arthritis causes your joints to stiffen up, and pain upon standing can be one of the first signs of the condition. There are a number of conventional medications available to treat arthritis-type pain, but also ask your doctor about herbal remedies and their dosages that may be just as effective. Do not self-treat any ankle pain. Have your ankle evaluated by a medical professional if you have injured it.
Turmeric
Turmeric, or Curcuma longa, contains the active substance called curcumin. The root of the plant is boiled, dried and crushed into a vibrant yellow powder that is used as a spice and herbal medicine. Turmeric possesses strong anti-inflammatory proprieties. Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Herbal Healing," states turmeric is as effective as steroid medications in relieving arthritic pain and inflammation without affecting the immune system. Consult your doctor for the proper dosage and don't take turmeric if have congestive heart failure, gallstones or a blood-clotting disorder.
Willow Bark
The bark of the willow tree, Salix alba, is the one of the oldest herbs used to treat pain and inflammation. The inner bark contains the anti-inflammatory compound salicin, a precursor of salicylic acid, the active ingredient in aspirin. Because salicin must first be converted by the liver to salicylic acid, willow takes longer than aspirin to become effective. However, willow remains in your bloodstream for a longer period, so its pain-relieving effects are longer-acting than aspirin's. Willow causes fewer incidences of stomach upset, but don't take it for ankle arthritis if you're pregnant, have a blood clotting disorder or are allergic to aspirin.
Devil's Claw
Devil's claw, or Harpagophytum procumbens, is also used to treat the pain and inflammation of arthritis. Although its roots are used medicinally, devil's claw gets its common name from the thorny barbs covering its fruit. Devil's claw, which is as effective in reducing pain and improving joint function as some conventional arthritis medications, works by stimulating the circulation to carry inflammatory substances away from affected areas. A 2004 report published in the German medical journal "Der Orthopade" states devil's claw is an effective pain reliever with fewer side effects than some traditional analgesics. Don't take devil's claw if you're pregnant or have stomach ulcers.
Ashwaganda
Ashwaganda is a small evergreen plant whose small oval leaves, stems, roots, yellow flowers and red fruits are used in herbal preparations. Ashwaganda is classified as an adaptogen, meaning the herb has a variety of actions. Balch states the steroid-like compounds in ashwaganda are more potent than hydrocortisone in reducing the pain and inflammation of arthritis without producing any immune system side effects. Don't take ashwaganda for ankle pain if you are pregnant, have kidney disease or are taking any sedative medications.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Osteoarthritis; Steven D. Ehrlich; December 2009
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2002
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Turmeric; Steven D. Ehrlich; August 2010
- AltMD: White Willow
- Der Orthopade: "Devil's Claw Extract as an Example of the Effectiveness of Herbal Analgesics"; S. Chrubasik; July 2004
