Ankle Pain: Therapy

General measures

• Depending on the disease and stage of disease:
  • Relief and immobilization
  • Sports leave
• In case of joint effusion:
  • Immobilization and rest with cooling and elevation of the joint must be observed
  • Observance of the PECH rule:
    • “P” pause: stop playing sports, rest, immobilization.
    • “E” ice/cooling: immediate application of cold, this is crucial for the healing process: it prevents the expansion of tissue damage; cold also has a pain-relieving effectNotes on implementation: repeat every 2 to 3 hours; do not apply ice directly to the skin; do not use on open wounds.
    • “C” Compression e.g. elastic pressure bandage (moderate tension).
    • “H” Elevation above the level of the heart: reduce blood supply to the damaged tissue; better removal of tissue fluidNotes on implementation: In case of extensive swelling, elevate for 1-2 days.
  • Later can then be started with a careful mobilization.
• In case of osteoarthritis or joint degeneration – see under osteoarthritis.
• In case of trauma – care depending on the nature of the injury.

Conventional non-surgical therapy methods

• Analgesics u. Anti-inflammatory drugs (see under drug therapy).

Surgical therapy

• Arthrodesis (stiffening) of the ankle joint for ankle osteoarthritis.

Medical aids

• Orthotic care for ankle osteoarthritis: footbed, high shank, possibly buffer heel, recessed roll-off aid, sole stiffener.

Nutritional medicine

• Nutritional counseling based on nutritional analysis
• Nutritional recommendations according to a mixed diet taking into account the disease at hand. This means, among other things:
  • A total of 5 servings of fresh vegetables and fruit daily (≥ 400 g; 3 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruit).
  • High-fiber diet (whole grains, vegetables).
• Observance of the following special dietary recommendations:
  • Diet rich in:
    • Omega-3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) – at least once or twice a week fresh sea fish, i.e. fatty sea fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel).
• Selection of appropriate food based on the nutritional analysis
• See also under “Therapy with micronutrients (vital substances)” – if necessary, taking a suitable dietary supplement.
• Detailed information on nutritional medicine you will receive from us.

Physical therapy (including physiotherapy)

• Thermotherapy, this consists of heat and cold therapy (cryotherapy):
  • Heat therapy in the form of balneotherapy or electrothermotherapy has an analgesic effect (relieves pain) and may improve mobility and health-related quality of life.
  • Cryotherapy is used only in active, inflammatory osteoarthritis.
• Electrotherapy
• Ultrasound therapy

Complementary treatment methods

• Acupuncture – for pain management