With all of the beautiful weather we’ve had so far this season, it’s no surprise to learn that residents throughout the Youngstown, Ohio and Ravenna, Ohio areas have been spending quite a bit of time outside. However, since most people take advantage of the sunshine and high temperatures by playing games outdoors, the number of ankle injuries that occur during the summer is fairly high. Since ankle sprains are common, it can be difficult to prevent them. Unless you avoid all activities that could potentially cause you to fall or twist in an awkward manner, there’s no real way to prevent such a mishap. However, since you’ll undoubtedly be engaging in athletic activities over the next couple of months, it is in your best interest to learn more about the ankle treatments that are out there, and what a foot and ankle doctor can do for you. That way, when you find yourself in need of ankle pain relief, you’ll know to visit one of Niehaus Foot & Ankle Clinic’s locations in Alliance, Ohio or Salem, Ohio.
If you’ve suffered from an ankle injury before, then you’re probably familiar with the standard procedure of ankle pain relief—R.I.C.E. With rest, ice, compression, and elevation, you can help to reduce swelling and decrease discomfort. However, not every ankle sprain is mild. Measured in degrees, ankle sprains can range from mild pain, swelling, and discoloration to severe pain and joint instability. Though your symptoms will tell you the severity of an ankle injury, the best course of action is to visit a foot and ankle doctor who can perform a thorough examination of your limb.
By taking the short trip from your Youngstown or Ravenna home to one of Niehaus Foot & Ankle Clinic’s locations in Alliance or Salem, you’ll be able to get a professional opinion as to what kind of ankle treatment would best fit your needs. If the injury is mild, Dr. Niehaus may suggest that you stay off your feet, follow the R.I.C.E. method, and take an anti-inflammatory. If you’re dealing with a second degree sprain, you’ll likely benefit from the use of a splint, brace, or cast that will provide the compression your ankle needs to stay in place. However, if you severely damaged your ankle while running, hiking, or playing some sport this summer, the most effective type of ankle treatment may be surgery.
Rest assured that surgery is a last resort at Niehaus Foot & Ankle Clinic. If there’s a less invasive form of ankle pain relief that will fix the issue, you can be sure that Dr. Niehaus will recommend it. However, if a surgical approach is necessary, you can feel confident that this foot and ankle doctor is more than qualified to handle it.
To avoid any unpleasant ankle injuries this summer, try to stay away from contact sports as well as any activity that relies heavily on the use of your legs. If you’ve already suffered from an ankle sprain, just make sure you visit a foot and ankle doctor to determine what ankle treatment is right for you. By calling one of Niehaus Foot & Ankle Clinic’s offices, you can schedule an appointment before taking the trip from your Youngstown, Ohio or Ravenna, Ohio home. That way, you can get the ankle pain relief you need from an experienced professional.
Niehaus Foot & Ankle Clinic
www.alliancefootandankleclinic.com
440 E State St
Alliance, Ohio 44601
Ph: 330.821.6438
295 N Ellsworth
Salem, Ohio 44460
Ph: 330.332.5750