Ankle Pain and Ayurveda - #17672

For the past few weeks, I’ve been dealing with discomfort in my ankle, especially after long walks or standing for too long. Sometimes, I notice slight swelling around the joint, and occasionally, there’s a mild stiffness in the morning. I haven’t had any major injuries, but I do remember twisting my ankle a few months ago, and I wonder if that could be affecting it now. Since the pain isn’t constant, I’m trying to figure out what’s causing it and whether Ayurveda offers any natural remedies for improving ankle health. From what I’ve read, the ankle is a complex joint that connects the foot and the lower leg, supporting body weight while allowing movement. Since it bears a lot of pressure, any imbalance, weakness, or strain can lead to pain or discomfort. Now, I’m wondering—does Ayurveda have specific treatments for strengthening the ankle joint and preventing long-term damage? Are there herbs or oils that help in reducing stiffness, inflammation, or weakness in the ankle? I’ve read that Shallaki and Guggulu are good for joint health—would they help in managing ankle pain? Another thing I’m curious about is whether my diet could be affecting my ankle health. Since Ayurveda emphasizes the role of Agni (digestive fire) in maintaining strong bones and joints, are there specific foods that help strengthen the ankle and prevent issues like weakness or swelling? Would consuming more calcium-rich foods, sesame seeds, and anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric help in improving ankle joint function? I also wonder if lifestyle habits are playing a role in my ankle discomfort. I don’t always wear supportive footwear, and I sometimes sit in awkward positions for long hours—could these factors be affecting my ankle despite no visible injury? Does Ayurveda recommend any specific exercises or yoga postures to improve ankle flexibility and reduce pain? Would Ayurvedic massage (Abhyanga) with medicated oils like Mahanarayan oil or Dhanwantharam oil help in strengthening the ankle and preventing stiffness? If anyone has experience managing ankle discomfort with Ayurveda, I’d love to hear what worked. Did herbal remedies, dietary changes, or specific therapies help in reducing pain and improving movement? How long did it take to see improvement? I really want to take a natural approach to maintaining strong and healthy ankles, so any advice would be greatly appreciated.