“How can I treat an ankle that hurts?”
My left ankle hurts a lot for the last couple of days. I play basketball very often and that might be the reason. How can I treat it without going to the doctor's office?
8 Answers
FamilyPractitionerAnklepain
Rest, ice take advil or ibuprofen for the inflammation. Also wear an ankle brace but if it does not go away with this then I would see your doctor.
Continually playing on it may prolong the healing process. At least do pneumonic RICE - Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Sprains can last up to 4-6 weeks depending on your activity and what grade a sprain it is. If it does not resolve, you will need to see a physician.
Twenty six point six percent of injuries in basketball are of the ankle. Typically, pre-season, during a scrimmage, while landing on another's players foot.
Rest, Ice, Compression (wrap) and Elevation. Topical eucalyptus, peppermint and wrap with a hot towel. Take turmeric twice a day for 10 days.
Need to see doc for evaluation/ examination
You may have injured the ligaments around the ankle, which give it stability. Or you may have stretched the tendons, which connect muscles to bone, and also give the ankle stability. Usually rest, compression, ice, anti-inflammatory creams and pills will help. If it gets worse, or is not improving after a week of rest, see your doc.
There are many reasons your ankle may be hurting. You could be compressing the cartilage in the ankle joint with high impact activity, like jumping and running. You may have a ligament issue around the ankle joint. Sometimes people feel the pain is in the ankle, but it is actually in the foot. If you would like to try treatment at home, remember this pneumonic: RICE. Rest (stop playing basketball for 2-4 weeks), Ice, Compression (ACE wrap or ankle brace), and elevation. You can also take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, like Ibuprofen or Naproxen. But if the pain persists, go see a well-trained podiatrist.
The best way to treat the ankle is rest, ice and elevation. Make sure you wear a supportive shoe, such as high top sneakers when playing. I recommend you have your ankle evaluated by a foot and ankle surgeon (podiatrist) to determine the proper diagnosis and appropriate treatments.
