The foot and ankle area of the body is one of the most complicated ones, housing 33 joints, and 26 bones. All of this is held together by a tissue network comprising muscles, nerves, ligaments, tendons, and blood vessels. This is what makes this zone of the body so delicate and susceptible to pains and discomfort says expert podiatric physician Selin Sakarcan.
A podiatric physician tends to complain of sore and painful ankles and feet. Selin is additionally a surgeon of the same as well. Also a sports enthusiast in her leisure time, this physician is currently working on opening up a non-profit organization in New Haven to be able to help more people.
In her experience as a podiatric doctor and surgeon, Selin Sakarcan has noticed that most of the issues related to the foot and ankle region are short-lived and occur primarily due to some injury such as a sprain. Therefore, thorough care by oneself is often the remedy for all types of problems around this region.
Long-term problems of the ankle and foot region
However, like every other body part, this too can be the victim of a long-term injury or pain. The most commonly reported major discomfort with the ankle or foot includes things such as – osteoarthritis, connective tissue diseases, damage of nerves, poor blood circulation, and similar other things. And all of this could be instigated by some deformity in the structure naturally or by wearing uncomfortable or inappropriate footwear.
The RICE therapy
Treatment of such foot and ankle pain can be treated by oneself initially, but if the pain persists and does not subside through self-care methods, one must visit a podiatric physician such as Selin Sakarcan as soon as possible. One of the foremost things that can help relieve the pangs of such magnitude is painkillers and paracetamols. One could take such medicines, but it is always advisable to do so after consultation with a physician. These may render temporary relief.
However, the RICE approach to treat such pain is a more recommended one and must be tried before visiting a doctor. This process begins to work within 2 – 3 days and involves the given steps:
- Rest – any kind of pressure should be avoided from exerted on the foot, walking too much, or even exercising when there is tenderness in the area, must be avoided. No weight should be put on it as well. Instead, slow movements of the foot should be encouraged.
- Ice – an ice pack can work wonders in a pain such as this can work wonders. One could use frozen vegetables instead if an ice pack is not readily available, wrapped in a damp cloth, and rubbed over the pain for twenty minutes approximately. This should be done after every two to three hours.
- Compression – a bandage that is neither too tight nor too loose must be bound around the pain area
- Elevation – it is very to keep the feet elevated when it is paining.
Apart from this, if there seems to be swelling, a light massage could help increase the blood flow to the area, thereby reducing the bump. Things such as hot baths and the intake of ibuprofen medicine and alcohol should be avoided as far as possible.
