Severe Ankle Discomfort
Greetings! I'm looking for a more effective solution than what I've encountered online. On Tuesday, I purchased a new set of work boots for my job as a bartender, where I am on my feet for extended periods during 7 to 10-hour shifts. Initially, I tried them on and anticipated needing to break them in, so I decided to wear them on my shift Thursday. Predictably, they were rather uncomfortable, yet I chose to wear them again on Friday. From the beginning of that shift, I began to sense a mild discomfort in my right ankle, almost as if it were slightly out of alignment. Perhaps that term is too harsh; it felt more like it had shifted awkwardly. Despite that, I carried on, but eventually, my ankle grew increasingly painful. At one point, I found myself removing my boot for relief every 20 minutes. By the time I finished my shift, I was limping all the way to my car. Driving was a struggle; I could hardly pivot my foot, making it difficult to navigate through traffic. Once I arrived home, I found myself hopping on my uninjured leg since putting weight on my affected ankle was too painful. After taking some pain relief medication to help me sleep, I still struggled to rest due to the intense discomfort. I woke up today in excruciating pain and ultimately had to call in sick to work. Now I’m beginning to wonder if it’s possible that I sprained or rolled my ankle without realizing it. I can’t recall any instance of stepping awkwardly or twisting it inappropriately. My diet isn't the healthiest, and while I consume alcohol, it’s not excessive. However, I do drink plenty of water and remain active both at work and home. Could this be a case of gout? I appreciate any insights!
Answers (1)
3/22/2025, 11:10:52 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like your ankle discomfort has been quite severe, particularly after wearing new work boots for long shifts. While it's understandable to wonder if you've sprained your ankle, there are several potential causes for your pain, including improper footwear fitting, overuse, or even an underlying condition. Here’s a structured overview of what you might consider:
Main Points
- Possible Causes: Given your description, it's likely that the discomfort stems from footwear that does not provide adequate support, possibly leading to strains or overuse of the ankle muscles and ligaments.
- Immediate Steps for Relief: Focus on reducing pain and inflammation while allowing your ankle some rest.
- Long-term Considerations: Consider proper footwear options for your work environment and potential follow-up actions to avoid recurrence.
Explanation
Your symptoms suggest that prolonged wearing of boots that aren't suitable for long work shifts may have led to excessive strain on your ankle. While a sprain is a possibility, especially if there's acute pain and difficulty bearing weight, improper shoe fit and support are also common culprits. Gout is less likely, especially since it typically affects the big toe and is associated with sudden, severe attacks of pain.
Next Steps
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Rest and Ice: Begin with rest. Avoid putting weight on your foot as much as possible. Apply ice to your ankle for 15-20 minutes every 1-2 hours to reduce swelling and pain. Make sure to wrap the ice in a cloth to protect your skin.
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Compression and Elevation: Use an elastic bandage for compression and keep your ankle elevated on a pillow while resting. This can help reduce swelling.
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Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Continue to take over-the-counter pain medications as needed (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen), following the package instructions for dosage.
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Footwear Assessment: Consider your boots' fit and support. A professional fitting for shoes designed specifically for long periods of standing could prevent further issues. Look for boots with good arch support and cushioning.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your pain levels and any changes. If you notice persistent or worsening symptoms—like severe pain, swelling, or inability to walk—you may need to seek further evaluation.
If after a few days of self-care your symptoms aren’t improving or you have new concerns, then further assessment by a healthcare professional may be needed to rule out any significant injuries. Take care, and ensure you prioritize your ankle’s recovery before returning to long shifts. Let me know if you need more advice!
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