Ankle Pain

We all know how easy it is to have an ankle injury but having a slight trip or rolling your ankle. It is painful and can cause some bruising and swelling. These should settle within 6 weeks. Some muscle weakness can cause these issues to flare up from time to time.

Facts & Figures:

• Most ankle injuries can be treated with correct painkiller and some good advice.
• There are over 1.5 million visits to A & E with ankle related injuries every year

When to get advice:

• If your ankle can’t bear any weight
• If your ankle appears misshaped
• The pain is getting worse and worse
• Your calf or ankle is hot, tender or swollen.

Move or rest?

First 24 hours

• Gently move your ankle at regular intervals when you’re awake.
• Rest your ankle but make sure you don’t immobilise it completely.

After 48 hours

• Gentle exercise can really help your ankle and manage the pain.
• When going up the stairs reduce the strain on your ankle by leading with your good leg.
• When going down the stairs reduce the strain on your ankle by leading with good leg.
• Avoid doing heavy lifting or sports until you have better movement and less discomfort.

Check out the exercise in the tool’s sections