Suffering from Ankle Pain in Washington DC?

What Are Your Options?

Are you suffering from ankle pain? Washing DC podiatrists can help you. Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation. Getting the problem diagnosed and starting on a treatment plan is extremely important – especially if the underlying cause is serious.

What Causes Ankle Pain?

Pain in the ankles can be caused by a variety of reasons, from injuries to medical conditions such as diabetes.

Here’s a list of possible culprits:

• Poorly fitting shoes
• Achilles tendinitis
• Tendon rupture
• Broken ankle
• Avulsion fracture
• Bursitis
• Calluses or corns
• Bunions
• Osteoarthritis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Gout
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Raynaud’s disease
• Toe injury or condition
• Bone spurs
• Being on your feet for hours on end every day

These are just a few of the known causes of ankle/foot pain. Some of these are more common than others. You may already have an idea of what is causing it. The only way to know for sure is to start visiting a podiatrist in the DC area.

Relieving Pain in the Feet/Ankles

There are some things you can do to improve the health of your feet and reduce pain and swelling. While you will still want to make an appointment with a specialist, it’s always a good idea to take care of your feet.

These tips will hopefully provide you with some relief from now until your consultation:

• Keep the problem foot elevated as much as possible. If there is swelling, elevate it above your heart.

• If you have to work, wear foot pads to prevent rubbing.

• Always do warm up exercises and stretches before running or jogging.

• It is recommended that you apply ice for 15 – 20 minutes every three hours until the symptoms are relieved. Just don’t leave it on for more than 30 minutes at a time.

• If ice doesn’t work, try heat. Heat is a better remedy for some conditions, ice for others. Use a heating pad, water bottle, or electric blanket. Like the ice pack, you don’t want to leave it on for too long.

• Take over the counter NSAIDS to help reduce pain and inflammation.

If nothing seems to work and you can’t wait until your appointment with the specialist, don’t hesitate to go to the ER.

How a Podiatrist Can Treat Your Ankle Pain

Your provider will first have to do a physical examination and health evaluation. Tests such as X-rays or MRIs may need to be performed in order to help with the diagnosis process.

The treatment will depend on the cause of the foot pain. If there is an injury you will obviously need a splint or a cast – especially if it concerns a broken bone. You may be prescribed antibiotics if there is any type of infection. To relieve overused or tight muscles, physical therapy might be required.

Prevention measures will also be taken. To protect your ankles from future strain, you may be provided with special shoe/Othotics inserts with recommendations on the right kind of shoes you should be wearing.

In extreme cases, surgery may be required.

Here’s What To Do Now

You no longer have to suffer from ankle pain; Washington DC foot specialists are available to help you. All you have to do is contact The Beltsville Foot And Ankle Center at 301-937-5666 to schedule your appointment.