Ankle Pain

Why is ankle pain common?

Your ankles are relatively small areas of your body that take on outsized strain each and every day. Your ankles play an essential role in mobility, helping you to walk and run. They also help support your body weight, which is impressive considering the difference in the size of your feet and ankles compared to the rest of your body. 

Your ankle is the joint that connects your lower leg bone and shin bone to your ankle bone, which in turn connects to your heel bone. Cartilage provides shock absorption within the joint and protects your bones from direct contact.

A series of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other tissues bind your ankle joint together. Blood vessels carry oxygen and nutrients to your ankles and feet, and nerves allow communication between body and brain. 

A problem with one or more of these components can cause ankle pain. That pain can range in intensity from mild to excruciating. 

What are some self-care tips for ankle pain?

The best at-home care for ankle pain is a combination of rest, ice, compression, and elevation, commonly known as RICE care. Most minor ankle injuries will heal over a few days of self-care. It’s also important to keep mobilizing the joint as it heals, but be sure to take care to avoid placing undue stress on an already sore joint. 

If your ankle pain persists for a week or more, worsens, or comes and goes over a longer period of time, schedule a diagnostic exam at Align Healing Center to learn the cause of your pain and explore treatment options. 

What can be done to treat ankle pain?

Chiropractic care at Align Healing Center can help resolve ankle pain and restore proper joint function. Hands-on joint manipulation can restore proper alignment of the ankle bones, which can reduce inflammation and give your body a chance to heal. Chiropractic adjustments also improve blood flow, which speeds the healing process.  

Laser therapy combined with chiropractic adjustment has proven to be a successful treatment in healing ankle pain. Class IV lasers provide gentle healing to the affected areas, decreasing inflammation and increasing tissue healing, providing relief to you.  

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is another treatment option that harnesses your natural healing abilities to repair ankle damage. The process uses a small amount of your blood to create a concentrated solution of platelets. The final product is full of growth factors that help your body create new cells to replace damaged tissues. 

The team at Align Healing Center takes a holistic approach to health care. In addition to hands-on therapy and state-of-the-art medical technology, you also have access to personalized lifestyle and nutritional advice that can keep your body functioning at peak levels. 

When you’re ready to find a path away from ankle pain, book a consultation at Align Healing Center. Online scheduling is one option, or you can always call the office to set up your visit.