Definitions:
Acute inflammation can be caused by injury, irritation, or by surgery. Inflammation is a natural response produced by the body to supply increased blood flow to the injured or affected area. This increased blood flow causes an increase and accumulation of fluid in the area.
Signs and Symptoms:
Inflammation exhibits a number of symptoms, including:
- Increased warmth and redness of the affected area
- Pain and swelling
Diagnosis:
Acute inflammation is an immediate result of the trauma to the area and usually occurs within a couple of hours. Chronic inflammation is a result of an ongoing condition, lie Arthritis.
Inflammation can also be a result of infection, however, the treatment for this is very different. It is always best to consult with your doctor to determine the cause of the inflammation.
Treatment:
Proper treatment must be given to reduce swelling and pain due to the inflammation of an injured or affected area. RICE therapy, as listed below, provides initial treatment for acute inflammation in the foot or ankle. The therapy consist of:
- Rest: Keep weight off of the foot or ankle. Walking could result in additional injury.
- Ice: Apply an ice pack to the injured area. Use a thin towel between the ice and the skin. Don’t apply iced directly to the skin. Ice may be applied for 20 minutes and with at least 40 minutes before applying ice again.
- Compression: Use an elastic wrap to control swelling.
- Elevation: Raise the foot or ankle slightly above the level of the heart. Discuss how to elevate the foot or ankle properly with your doctor.
Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, may be prescribed by the surgeon. Typically, the pain should improve after three days. If pain persists or becomes worse, don’t hesitate to contact the doctor and consult with him.
