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Health & Longevity

Ankle Pain at Night: Causes & Solutions 

If ankle pain keeps you tossing and turning through the night, you’re not alone. This common discomfort among the elderly and those with specific health conditions not only disrupts a good night’s sleep but can also affect our overall quality of life. Understanding this discomfort begins with recognizing the complexity of the ankle itself.

Your ankle, much more than a simple joint, is key to your mobility. Composed of bones, ligaments, and tendons, the ankle provides the necessary flexibility for your foot to move in various directions. It enables walking, running, and even standing, making it an integral part of our daily activities.

Yet, as we age, it’s not unusual for the wear and tear on this joint to lead to discomfort. But remember, experiencing ankle pain doesn’t have to impede your independence or comfort. With a proactive approach and effective management strategies, you can continue to navigate life’s journey with confidence.

Why Can Ankle Pain Increase at Night?

If you suffer from ankle discomfort, you may notice that this discomfort becomes more troubling as the night creeps in. Why?

The answer lies in the body’s circulatory and healing mechanisms. During the day, when we are up and moving, blood circulation is more active throughout the body, including in the ankle. This increased blood flow can often help mitigate pain to some degree.

But our hormones and circulations can shift with our circadian rhythm. When we rest or sleep, our blood circulation slows down. As a result, any inflammation or injury in the ankle may not receive the same level of oxygen and nutrients that would normally help alleviate pain.

Lying down can also lead to fluid accumulation in the lower limbs, which might increase pressure on your ankle, exacerbating the discomfort. Certain sleeping positions may also put extra stress on the ankle.

It’s also worth noting the psychological component — when we are trying to fall asleep, we are not distracted by daily activities, which can make us more aware of any discomfort.

What Are Common Causes of Ankle Pain?

To best tend to your ankle discomfort, it is important to understand the root cause of the issue. Let’s delve into a few common culprits.

Arthritis

Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, can often lead to ankle pain. These conditions result from the wearing away of the cartilage, the protective tissue at the ends of bones. When this happens, the bones can rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling, which can worsen during periods of rest.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy refers to several conditions resulting from damage to your peripheral nerves. Often linked with diabetes and other systemic diseases, this can lead to various symptoms in the ankle, from stabbing pain to a loss of sensation or a burning feeling.

These symptoms might become more apparent at night due to the decrease in distractions and the change in your body’s metabolic activity during sleep.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis is characterized by the inflammation or irritation of a tendon. In the ankle, this typically involves the Achilles tendon, which connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. When this tendon becomes inflamed, it can cause significant discomfort, especially at night when the body’s healing processes intensify, leading to an increased perception of pain.

Injuries

Ankle sprains and strains are common injuries that can lead to persistent discomfort. Sprains happen when the ligaments that support the ankle stretch beyond their limits or tear, while strains involve damage to the muscles or tendons.

These injuries, often caused by accidents, falls, or overuse, can lead to swelling, bruising, and pain, which can become more noticeable during the quiet of the night. It’s important to quickly and promptly take care of these injuries to prevent long-term issues and facilitate recovery.

At-Home Solutions for Ankle Pain

Depending on the cause and severity of your ankle pain, there are a number of methods to help you find relief at home.

The R.I.C.E Method

The R.I.C.E method — which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation — can be quite effective, especially if your ankle pain is the result of a recent injury or stress.

Resting allows your body to start the healing process. Ice can reduce swelling and numbs the area, providing immediate relief. Compression and elevation can also help minimize swelling by draining excess fluid.

Lifestyle Changes

Embracing lifestyle changes can significantly impact your overall health and your ankle’s well-being. A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D can encourage bone health. Regular, low-impact exercises such as swimming or cycling can strengthen your ankles and improve flexibility.

The Role of Proper Sleep Ergonomics

Ensuring proper sleep ergonomics plays a crucial role in managing nighttime discomfort. Your bed and sleeping position can either alleviate or exacerbate your ankle pain. A bed that supports a correct sleeping posture and allows you to adjust its settings for your comfort can significantly contribute to pain relief.

How Can Your Bed Impact Your Ankle Health?

While often overlooked, your bed can actually play a role in managing your ankle health. At Transfer Master, we believe in the importance of a good night’s sleep for maintaining your health, comfort, and independence.

Our range of affordable and adjustable home hospital beds, like the Supernal Hi-Low or our Night Rider, is designed to provide the utmost comfort and convenience. Our beds offer the ability to easily elevate your legs, helping to encourage circulation and ease discomfort.

Adjustable beds also allow you to adjust the height as needed to facilitate a safe and comfortable transition in and out of bed, helping reduce strain on your ankles as you do.

Living independently and comfortably in your home as you age is paramount. By elevating your feet or adjusting the bed’s height, you can achieve a more comfortable position, reducing pressure on your ankles and supporting your sleep quality, helping you continue to live the life you love.

When To Seek Medical Support For Ankle Discomfort

It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional if you experience persistent ankle pain. Your comfort and well-being are of utmost importance, and with the right care, you can continue to enjoy your independence.

Ignoring this discomfort can have far-reaching consequences, including reduced mobility, increased dependence on others, and a heightened risk of falls. Moreover, constant pain can affect your overall well-being, making it crucial to seek timely support.

Taking Care of Your Ankle Health With Transfer Master

Addressing nighttime ankle pain can greatly improve your quality of life, helping to support your sleep quality and affecting your overall health. Our adjustable home hospital beds at Transfer Master are designed to support you in this journey, prioritizing your safety, comfort, and well-being.

We encourage you to reach out and speak to one of our bed experts today.

Sources:

Do we feel pain more at night? | Harvard Health

Nocturnal variations in peripheral blood flow, systemic blood pressure, and heart rate in humans | PMC

Sprains – Symptoms and causes | Mayo Clinic

RICE Method for Treating Injuries | UPMC

Effect of Leg Elevation Height on Reduced Swelling of Patients of Postoperative Acute Ankle Fractures | ResearchGate

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About Transfer Master

Transfer Master has built electric adjustable hospital beds for the home and medical facility since 1993. We started with a simple goal that hospital beds should allow wheelchair users to transfer independently in and out of bed. Thirty years later, our customers are still at the center of everything we do. You’ll feel the difference.