Question 1

ankle pain/stiff & cramps in that foot (1st/4th toes). saw doc & waiting for mri. could cramps be related? heat helped short term but cramps return.

Accepted Answer

Potentially: Sounds like your doctor is trying to sort out the source of your symptoms.

Question 2

surgery in may for a fractured ankle they put a plate and 7 screws . now there is swelling around plate. warm to touch do i use heat or ice to help.

Accepted Answer

Possible infection: Swelling and warmth can be signs of infection.  You could try some heat and NSAIDs, but if the symptoms persist or worsen you should definitely have it evaluated by your surgeon.

Question 3

ankle pain for months. keeps going and returning. tried ice but only helped me temporary. it seems that there is a circular swelling. what to do?

Accepted Answer

See a doc: it would be best if you saw a doctor to evaluate this long term problem

Question 4

do you think i should apply ice or heat to a sprained ankle?

Accepted Answer

RICE when acute: If you just sprained your ankle, follow the rice protocol - rest, ice, compression and elevate.  Also follow-up with a foot/ankle specialist to have the injury examined.  Even if you can walk on it, it won't hurt to have it checked properly.

Question 5

does heat or ice help a 4 month old sprained ankle?

Accepted Answer

Neither : Ankle pain that has persisted for 4 months needs a professional evaluation. Sprained ligaments should have healed by now. It is likely you have either a bone or joint injury. See a podiatrist for an evaluation and discussion of treatment options.

Question 6

doctors can you tell me when should i use ice and when should i use heat on a sprained ankle?

Accepted Answer

RICE: Rice. Rest- 24 to 28 hrs. Avoid activities that require use of  your ankle. Ice- for  first 2 days after injury, apply ice for  15 to 20 minutes every few hours. A bag of frozen peas is good. Compression- you can wrap your foot, ankle & lower leg with an ace wrap. Make sure it is not so tight that it decreases your circulation. Elevate- elevate  ankle above your heart.  Can prop on a pillow.

Question 7

i have pain on both sides of my left ankle.. pain shoots up the leg into the calf..little to no swelling. pain when on and off it..,tryed ice.

Accepted Answer

Hard to say: I am not sure what type of work you do or type of shoes you wear. If you stand up for a long time, wearing high heeled shoes, this may be reason for suck pain. Please consider seeing a podiatrist or orthopod for evaluation. also what type of pain? Is id dull pain, sharp shooting pain?

Question 8

ankle pain in both feet, been going on for about a 1 1/2 years, so bad i need to soak in ice water every two hours to walk semi-normal. popping too.

Accepted Answer

Could be multiple: Issues, for your age most likely would be a tendon issue unless you have had trauma to both ankles. It could be related to your foot structure and you might need orthtotics in your shoes. But you should have them X-rayed if you have not.

Question 9

my husband was dx with cellulitis and his foot and ankle are swollen.  should he use ice or heat packs to help lessen the swelling?

Accepted Answer

Ice and elevation: I assume he is on appropriate antibiotics for the infection, the first treatment necessity. Then elevation will help decrease swelling. Ice may ease discomfort. Limit walking and do not press tissues, as this many spread disease.

Question 10

what are the best stretches for sciatica? pain goes from tailbone through left buttocks down leg into left ankle. is heat or ice better?

Accepted Answer

Hamstring stretches: Sounds like pressure on a nerve root in your back probably L5 or s1. Stretching the hamstrings may help but i recommend you see a physician and have imaging of the lumbar spine.

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Doctor answers about:

Should i use heat or ice for ankle pain

A member asked:

Ankle pain/stiff & cramps in that foot (1st/4th toes). saw doc & waiting for mri. could cramps be related? heat helped short term but cramps return.

A member asked:

Surgery in may for a fractured ankle they put a plate and 7 screws . now there is swelling around plate. warm to touch do i use heat or ice to help.

A member asked:

Ankle pain for months. keeps going and returning. tried ice but only helped me temporary. it seems that there is a circular swelling. what to do?

A member asked:

Do you think i should apply ice or heat to a sprained ankle?

A member asked:

Does heat or ice help a 4 month old sprained ankle?

A member asked:

Doctors can you tell me when should i use ice and when should i use heat on a sprained ankle?

A member asked:

I have pain on both sides of my left ankle.. pain shoots up the leg into the calf..little to no swelling. pain when on and off it..,tryed ice.

A member asked:

Ankle pain in both feet, been going on for about a 1 1/2 years, so bad i need to soak in ice water every two hours to walk semi-normal. popping too.

A member asked:

My husband was dx with cellulitis and his foot and ankle are swollen. should he use ice or heat packs to help lessen the swelling?

A member asked:

What are the best stretches for sciatica? pain goes from tailbone through left buttocks down leg into left ankle. is heat or ice better?

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