Chronic Ankle Pain Could Be A Stress Fracture: What To Do Before You Get Seen

If you have ankle pain that comes at the end of a workout or after a long day, but is dull or mild throughout the morning and afternoon hours, you may have a stress fracture.  You could even have multiple stress fractures in your ankle, and you want to see an orthopedic professional.

The stress fracture often causes the most pain after the bone has undergone pressure for the day, and it's a small fracture in the bone. If it goes untreated, it can lead to a severe break in your ankle. Here are a few things you want to do before you get into your appointment.

Get an X-ray

Ask the orthopedic physician's office if they would like you to get an x-ray of the area before you come in. If so, they can put in an order for it, and then it will go through your insurance provider. Getting the x-ray in advance will help the orthopedic doctor see what is going on before you get to your appointment.

R.I.C.E.

It doesn't matter if the issue is a stress fracture or not, you can benefit from rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Elevate your ankle above your heart with ice, and make sure that you rest it as much as possible. This is going to help reduce swelling and improve circulation to the area.

Wear Supportive Shoes

Do your shoes have a high heel, thin sole, or don't offer a lot of support? Something like standing with poor posture in improperly fitting shoes for a long period of time can cause a stress fracture, along with over using the ankle. Wear the most comfortable shoes you can find until you get to the orthopedic doctor to see what is going on, and stay off the foot if you can.

The orthopedic physician may want to cast the ankle if you have a lot of stress fractures, or if they think it needs to be casted to heal properly. If there are other breaks in the bone, or damaged ligaments, they may want you to wear an air cast or a walking boot. Don't be surprised if you have to use crutches to keep pressure off the ankle, and if the specialist wants you to go to physical therapy. The therapy can help strengthen other muscles so your fracture can heal, and help prevent future stress fractures from being a problem again. To learn more, contact Omaha Orthopedic Clinic & Sports Medicine PC.