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How To Treat The Pain In My Twisted Ankle?
hello:) a couple days ago i was walking up the stairs and i twisted my ankle. it didnt hurt that day a lot but now it hurts on top of my foot and it hurts to walk. And when i walk the pain seems going to my leg. even if i am sitting down i could feel some tenderness?
Sat, 7 Nov 2020
Hi,
Twisting your ankle, or an ankle sprain, as you know is very common. We have dense ligaments that help to "hold" the bones of our foot together and make the foot a solid structure able to bear weight. These ligaments are easy injured by shifting one's weight in an unusual direction or ankle. Small, micro-tears, occurs in these ligaments and this is what causes the pain. Pain can radiate even up the leg as the tendons which assist in moving the legs pass directly over these ligaments and and irritate these structures sending pain up the leg. These ligaments injuries will heal over time but this can take weeks or even longer.
It is very important to unload as much stress off of the pain foot/leg as possible and stay off your feet. Swelling can develop over the site of the ligament sprain so it is also important to elevate the leg as much as possible. Ice applied directly to the area of injury will help with both the the pain and swelling, and NSAIDS like Motrin or Aleve can also be used to help diminish the pain and speed recovery. If the pain is not improving after 5-7 days of this conservative treatment then usually an X-ray or other advanced imaging study is warranted.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. David Girardi, Internal Medicine Specialist
Twisting your ankle, or an ankle sprain, as you know is very common. We have dense ligaments that help to "hold" the bones of our foot together and make the foot a solid structure able to bear weight. These ligaments are easy injured by shifting one's weight in an unusual direction or ankle. Small, micro-tears, occurs in these ligaments and this is what causes the pain. Pain can radiate even up the leg as the tendons which assist in moving the legs pass directly over these ligaments and and irritate these structures sending pain up the leg. These ligaments injuries will heal over time but this can take weeks or even longer.
It is very important to unload as much stress off of the pain foot/leg as possible and stay off your feet. Swelling can develop over the site of the ligament sprain so it is also important to elevate the leg as much as possible. Ice applied directly to the area of injury will help with both the the pain and swelling, and NSAIDS like Motrin or Aleve can also be used to help diminish the pain and speed recovery. If the pain is not improving after 5-7 days of this conservative treatment then usually an X-ray or other advanced imaging study is warranted.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. David Girardi, Internal Medicine Specialist
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