What causes pain on the inside of the ankle?

The ankle is a more obvious joint in our foot, and it also plays a role in alleviating external impact when we are engaged in activities. Sometimes we may feel pain on the inside of the ankle. This phenomenon is probably caused by our failure to protect it properly during activities. When an ankle sprain occurs, pain and swelling will occur in the ankle area, and timely treatment is required.

Method 1

Self-judge the degree of the sprain, the amount of force applied to the ankle joint when it is sprained, the degree of pain, whether there is local swelling or discoloration, whether the movement is restricted, whether the joint is deformed, etc.

Method 2

The pain of a minor sprain is not severe, or the pain can be greatly relieved after a short rest; there is no local swelling or discoloration; the movement is not restricted or slightly restricted, and the restriction will be relieved after the pain is relieved; there is no deformation of the joint. At this time, it is just a slight ligament sprain and spasm. You just need to gently massage the area where the pain is most severe, rotate the ankle joint, and rest properly. However, it should be noted that strenuous activities such as running and jumping should be avoided before full recovery to avoid secondary sprain.

Method 3

The pain of a slightly more serious sprain is severe and difficult to relieve; there is local swelling and limping when walking; subcutaneous bruising may sometimes be seen; the pain is aggravated by movements in the opposite direction of the injured part; and the pain cannot be relieved by rest. At this point, the ligament has been partially torn, and you should apply ice immediately. Use an ice pack until the swelling is reduced or no longer expands. You can wrap a dry towel around the ice pack to avoid frostbite. Then apply pressure bandage to the swollen area and fix the ankle joint in a neutral position. After 24 hours, you can apply hot compress, physical therapy, or gentle massage. The ankle joint should be fixed for no less than three weeks, and intense running and jumping exercises should be avoided within six months.

Method 4

Severe sprains cause severe pain, rapid local swelling, and subsequent bruising. In severe cases, there may be joint deformities and the affected foot may be unable to bear weight. At this time, if the ligament is broken or even fractured, you should apply ice immediately to protect the affected foot and seek medical attention immediately to avoid improper treatment that affects the later efficacy.

Common misconceptions about ankle sprains

Myth 1:

If the ankle is sprained, fractured or dislocated, do not apply hot compress immediately, because hot compress will accelerate blood flow, cause soft tissue swelling, compress nerves, and produce deeper pain.

Correct approach:

Once the ankle is sprained, cold compress should be applied immediately (preferably ice and water). You can wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply it to the injured surface. This can play a good role in preventing excessive swelling of local tissues and relieving pain. If there is no ice, you can buy some popsicles, crush them and apply them to the injured area, and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Myth 2:

Use ginger and wine to rub the sprained ankle. When you sprain your ankle, wrist and other parts, some folk methods are to massage with the palm of your hand, or rub with ginger and wine. These methods will cause the blood vessels in the injured soft tissue to dilate, accelerate blood flow and increase exudation, aggravating local swelling and pain.

Correct approach:

Once a sprain occurs, the injured part should be elevated and fixed, and cold compresses should be applied to reduce swelling and pain. At the same time, you should seek professional medical treatment as soon as possible.

Myth 3:

Wrap a sprained ankle with a soft bandage. A soft bandage does not provide the strong pressure needed to control bleeding and immobilize the ankle.

Correct approach:

At this time, plaster or splint fixation should be given in time, and surgical treatment should be performed if necessary. Many people choose to endure it in the early stages, but this is not advisable as it may turn the injury into a chronic disease, affect functional recovery, and even leave partial disability.