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Ankle Pain - The 1st Step Towards Relief

  • drcmontanaro
  • Dec 4, 2023
  • 2 min read

Updated: Feb 8, 2024

Ankle pain can majorly disrupt daily life - explore solutions below:

Regenerative Medicine, including Shockwave Therapy, Prolotherapy, and PRP may surpass common interventions and provide non-surgical relief.

Common Causes


Sprains and Strains

The most common cause of ankle pain, sprains and strains occur when ligaments or muscles are stretched or torn due to sudden twists or falls. This can quickly become a chronic issue, as instability leads to more strains, which lead to more instability, and so on.


Tendonitis

Inflammation of the tendons surrounding the ankle, often resulting from overuse or repetitive stress, can lead to pain and swelling.


Arthritis

Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the ankle joint, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.


Fractures

Breaks or fractures in the bones of the ankle, usually caused by accidents or trauma, can result in acute pain and swelling. Even after surgery, pain may persist.


Typical Treatments for Ankle Pain


Rest and Ice

If the injury was acute and swollen, resting the affected ankle and applying ice can help reduce swelling and alleviate acute pain. Wearing compression bandages and elevating the ankle can further aid in minimizing swelling.


Pain Medications

Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications may be recommended to manage pain and reduce inflammation. This is a symptom management tool, and does not heal the injury.


Physical Therapy

Targeted exercises and stretches can strengthen the muscles around the ankle, improve stability, and enhance overall joint function. Even if PT does not improve the issue, then the below methods may help.


Innovative Treatments for Ankle Pain


Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy (seen above) is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to stimulate healing in injured tissues. For shoulder pain, Shockwave Therapy can enhance blood flow, accelerate tissue repair, and reduce pain associated with conditions like rotator cuff injuries or tendonitis.


Prolotherapy

Prolotherapy involves injecting a solution (often containing dextrose) into the affected ligaments and tendons to stimulate the body's natural healing response. This treatment aims to strengthen weakened or damaged structures, providing long-term relief from chronic shoulder pain.


Regenerative Medicine

Regenerative Medicine encompasses various techniques, including prolotherapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) . PRP, derived from the patient's blood, contains growth factors that can accelerate tissue repair and reduce inflammation. This treatment is being used more for sports injury recovery, because of its unique ability to regenerate torn connective tissue.


Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)

OMT is a holistic approach to addressing musculoskeletal imbalances. Osteopathic physicians utilize hands-on techniques, such as myofascial release, soft tissue manipulation, and joint mobilization, to assess and treat the underlying structural issues contributing to knee pain.



Want to Use Your Arm Without Pain?


The Office of Dr Montanaro practices Osteopathic, Preventative, and Regenerative Medicine, and specializes in reducing joint pain and improving function. Check out our site to learn more, or email the office at info@drmontanaro.com to book an appointment.




 
 
 

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Office of Dr Chris Montanaro

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Nevada City, CA 95959

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