Fact Checked
Ankle pain can occur after running due to overuse. When running, a certain amount is repeatedly placed on the feet that spread to the ankles, legs, hips and the abdomen. This force is due to the feet pounding a surface up to 200 times per minute. Pain could not be avoided by runners but there are measures to minimize any painful sensations.
[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZiTGOf3zw0″ width=”220″]Causes of ankle pain
- Avoid wearing inappropriate footwear. Avoid wearing sneakers that are old and battered or unsupportive to help prevent ankle pain and discomfort during and after running.
- Tight muscles of the feet can cause ankle pain after running
- Previous injury such as a sprained ankle can cause ankle pain after running
- Performing excessive training especially long distance running can result to strain in the muscle and tendons and also stress fractures.
Apply an ice pack on the ankle to help lessen swelling and numb the pain at least 20 minutes at a time for 3-5 days. - Lack of structured motion within the foot especially with running and the motion of running is linear and can result to ankle pain after running.
- Ankle pain can be caused by inversion sprain which happens when the ankle rolls inward injuring the ligaments that are found on the outer edge of the ankle.
- Achilles tendinitis usually develops in runners due to over activity, wearing ill-fitting shoes and misalignment.
- Blisters are due to friction from clothing rubbing against the skin especially running long distances. Blisters are small but cause intense pain.
Treatment
- Wear supportive equipment such as a splint or a brace to help minimize unnecessary movement that can make the condition worse.
- Encourage the individual to rest and avoid placing weight on the ankle if it causes pain. Use crutches when walking to help minimize the weight placed on the ankle. Perform an exercise such as biking or swimming to stay active while resting the leg.
- Apply an ice pack on the ankle to help lessen swelling and numb the pain at least 20 minutes at a time for 3-5 days. Avoid applying the ice pack directly on the skin to prevent frostbite. If an ice pack is not available, a bag of frozen vegetables or fruit also help with the condition. Another option is freezing a plastic foam cup of water and then gently place over the affected ankle using the ice.
- Wrap the affected ankle using an elastic bandage to help lessen the swelling, pain and promote mobility of the ankle joint.
- Elevate the affected ankle above the level of the heart. Raise the ankle using a stack of pillows to lessen the swelling and pain.
- Take the prescribed pain medication such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium or acetaminophen to lessen the pain and swelling.
Seek medical help immediately if there is difficulty putting weight on the ankle, or deformity of the ankle. The pain becomes worse even at rest, a popping sound and the ankles becomes infected with signs such as warmth, tenderness, reddened and fever of 100 degrees F.
FACT CHECK
https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/ankle-pain
https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/ss/slideshow-ankle-problems-pain
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