Ankle Pain Specialist in Novi, MI: Diagnosis and Treatment at Associated Podiatrists
Ankle pain can make walking, standing, and staying active feel harder than it should, and it does not always have a single obvious cause. If your ankle hurts, feels stiff, swells, or keeps giving way, an ankle pain specialist in Novi, MI can help you understand what is happening and what to do about it. At Associated Podiatrists, P.C., our board-certified foot and ankle surgeons evaluate ankle pain and instability, work to identify the specific cause, and build a treatment plan around that diagnosis rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
This page explains what ankle pain is, how our providers diagnose and treat it, which options may be considered, how candidacy and cost are approached, and what patients may consider when choosing ankle pain care in Novi. Whether your symptoms started with an injury or came on gradually, the focus is the same: identifying the cause and developing a treatment plan based on the diagnosis.
Ankle Pain Care in Novi Built Around the Right Diagnosis
Associated Podiatrists, P.C. provides evaluation and treatment for ankle pain and instability from its Novi, Michigan office at 26750 Providence Parkway, Suite 130. The practice is located in Providence Park, near Henry Ford Providence Novi Hospital (formerly Ascension Providence Hospital, Novi Campus), giving patients access to podiatric evaluation, on-site digital X-ray, and other foot and ankle services from one Novi location.
Our approach starts with diagnosis. Nonsurgical treatment is always our first option, and our doctors are board-certified, experienced foot and ankle surgeons when a condition needs more than conservative care. The office offers on-site digital X-ray and on-site physical therapy, which can help move evaluation and early treatment forward in one place. We treat patients of all ages, from children to seniors, and coordinate with a patient’s primary care physician when that is appropriate.
Why Ankle Pain Can Have More Than One Cause
Ankle pain is discomfort in or around the ankle joint that can range from a dull ache to sharp pain with movement or weight bearing. It may come with swelling, stiffness, bruising after an injury, tenderness, or a sense that the ankle is unstable or wobbling. Because the ankle relies on bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerves working together, pain in this area can come from several different structures, and the right treatment depends on which one is involved.
Ankle pain is not always the result of a single injury. It can develop gradually from arthritis, tendon problems, alignment issues, or other conditions, and it can persist or return after an earlier sprain. That is why evaluation matters: identifying the likely source of the pain helps guide treatment that fits the diagnosis. A podiatric exam can also help distinguish a minor, temporary problem from one that may need additional care.
Seek care for severe pain, significant swelling, an inability to bear weight, or pain that persists beyond a few days. If you have an open injury, a visible deformity, loss of circulation or sensation, or another medical emergency, seek emergency care rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
What May Be Causing Your Ankle Pain?
Ankle pain has many possible causes. The conditions below are among the ankle-related problems supported by Associated Podiatrists’ current services and patient-education resources. These are diagnostic possibilities rather than assumptions based on symptoms alone, and an examination helps determine which structure or condition is contributing to the pain.
Ankle Sprains and Ligament Injury
A sprain happens when the foot twists or rolls awkwardly and stretches or tears the ligaments that support the ankle, often causing pain, swelling, bruising, limited motion, and instability with weight bearing. Persistent pain or instability can continue after an ankle sprain, especially when the injury has not fully healed or been completely rehabilitated. A careful evaluation can help distinguish a sprain from a fracture and assess possible ligament injury. For more detailed information about evaluation and treatment of a recent sprain, visit our dedicated Sprained Ankle page.
Ankle Fractures
A fracture involves a break in one or more of the ankle bones, and it can occur alongside a sprain. Warning signs can include severe pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, an inability to bear weight, and sometimes visible deformity. On-site digital X-ray is a practice capability that can support timely evaluation of a suspected bony injury. In selected cases, additional imaging beyond the office evaluation and X-ray may be needed, and the podiatrist can determine the appropriate next step.
Ankle Sprain vs. Fracture: Why Symptoms Alone May Not Tell You
An ankle sprain affects the ligaments that support the joint, while an ankle fracture involves a break in one or more bones. Both can cause pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, and difficulty walking, and a fracture and sprain can occur at the same time. Because the symptoms can overlap, it is not always possible to reliably tell the difference based on pain level or appearance alone.
A podiatric examination helps assess the injured structures, and an X-ray may be used when a fracture or other bony injury is suspected. Associated Podiatrists has on-site digital X-ray at the Novi office. When additional imaging or testing is needed beyond the examination and X-ray, the podiatrist can determine the appropriate next step.
Ankle Arthritis
Arthritis can cause ankle pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility that tends to build over time rather than starting with a single injury. Many patients begin with nonsurgical options, and treatment is matched to the type and stage of arthritis. Care that is specific to arthritis is covered on our Arthritis page, which can be a helpful next step when arthritis is the primary concern.
Tendon-Related Ankle Pain
Several tendons around the ankle can become inflamed, degenerated, or torn. Achilles tendon problems can cause pain and stiffness at the back of the ankle. Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction can cause pain and swelling along the inner ankle and arch, weakness with push-off, and, if untreated, progressive flattening of the foot. Peroneal tendon problems can cause pain, swelling, and weakness along the outer ankle. The correct treatment depends on which tendon is affected and whether the issue is inflammation, degeneration, tearing, or instability. Our Common Foot and Ankle Disorders library covers several of these conditions in more detail.
Nerve-Related Ankle Symptoms
Burning, tingling, numbness, or shooting pain around the inner ankle can point to nerve involvement, such as tarsal tunnel syndrome, where the tibial nerve is compressed along the inside of the ankle. Not all burning or tingling is tarsal tunnel, since neuropathy and other conditions can produce similar sensations, so evaluation is important to identify the true source. Other possibilities in the broader diagnostic picture can include gout, infection, structural alignment problems, and nerve compression, which is another reason an accurate diagnosis comes first.
These reviews describe individual patient experiences. Individual symptoms, diagnoses, treatment needs, and results vary from person to person.
“Dr. Borovoy is very nice and makes sure i am comfortable and educated on everything. He explains all the procedures and answers any questions i might have. The staff is caring and nice.”
– Julie Dekett
When Your Ankle Keeps Giving Way After an Injury
Sometimes the problem is not one painful moment but a pattern. If your ankle keeps giving way, rolls easily, or feels unreliable on uneven ground, stairs, or hills, that can be a sign of chronic ankle instability. It often develops after a sprain that did not fully heal or was not completely rehabilitated, which can leave the supporting ligaments loose and the joint prone to repeated injury.
Persistent instability, a giving way sensation, or repeated ankle injuries are worth evaluating rather than working around. Care can focus on restoring strength, balance, and stability, and the right plan depends on the exam findings. Not every unstable ankle needs surgery, and our providers can discuss which options fit your situation after a diagnosis.
When to See an Ankle Pain Specialist in Novi
Ankle pain is worth evaluating when symptoms are severe, persist, return repeatedly, or interfere with walking and weight bearing. Recurrent instability after an ankle sprain also deserves attention because incomplete rehabilitation can contribute to repeated giving way. Consider scheduling an evaluation if you notice any of the following:
- Pain that does not improve after a few days of rest, or that keeps returning
- An inability to bear weight, or a limp that will not go away
- Significant or ongoing swelling that does not settle
- A popping or snapping sound at the time of injury
- A sense that the ankle is unstable, wobbling, or repeatedly giving way
- Numbness, tingling, or burning around the ankle
- Bruising, visible deformity, or severe pain after an injury
An open injury, severe deformity, loss of circulation or sensation, or another medical emergency calls for urgent or emergency care rather than a routine office visit. For other persistent or concerning ankle symptoms, timely evaluation can help determine the cause and whether imaging, protection, rehabilitation, or another treatment approach is appropriate.
Finding the Cause of Your Ankle Pain in Novi
Accurate diagnosis comes before treatment. An evaluation may include a discussion of how the symptoms started, your activity pattern, any prior sprains or injuries, and the location of the pain, along with a physical exam that checks swelling, tenderness, stability, range of motion, and your ability to bear weight.
On-site digital X-ray is available in the Novi office and can be particularly useful for suspected fractures, arthritis, alignment or bony changes, and some chronic ankle complaints. Not every ankle-pain patient needs an X-ray, and the choice of imaging depends on the history and exam. When additional imaging or testing is needed beyond the office evaluation and X-ray, the podiatrist can determine the appropriate next step.
“Dr. Borovoy has always been great at figuring out what needs to be done and doing it. I’ve recommended him many times over the years.”
– Stephen Haggard
Ankle Pain Treatment Options Based on Your Diagnosis
Because ankle pain has many causes, treatment is matched to the diagnosis. No single option is right for every cause, and our providers start with the most conservative care that fits your situation. The options below are grouped from conservative to advanced.
Nonsurgical Ankle Pain Treatment Options
Activity modification and rest.
Adjusting or briefly reducing activity, along with supportive measures, can help settle many early or overuse-related complaints while the cause is addressed.
Bracing and immobilization.
A brace, boot, or period of immobilization may help protect the ankle, with the specific approach and weight-bearing status individualized to the diagnosis.
On-site physical therapy.
The Novi office offers physical therapy, which can focus on restoring strength, balance, flexibility, range of motion, and a safe return to activity.
Custom orthotics and supportive footwear.
Prescription custom orthotics can support certain causes of ankle pain, including some arthritis and tendon-related conditions, by improving support and alignment.
Medication and anti-inflammatory care.
Anti-inflammatory or other medication may be part of a plan for selected conditions, guided by the treating provider based on your history and any contraindications.
Selected cortisone injections.
For certain inflammatory or joint-related conditions, a cortisone injection may be considered after diagnosis. It is not appropriate for every cause of ankle pain.
Custom bracing for patients who are not surgical candidates.
For patients with chronic ankle pain, instability, arthritis, weakness, or structural problems who are not surgical candidates, custom bracing may be considered as part of a nonsurgical treatment plan. A custom brace may help provide individualized support & stability based on the diagnosis, foot and ankle structure, activity needs, & treatment goals. Whether custom bracing is appropriate depends on the examination findings & the specific condition being treated.
On-site physical therapy.
The Novi office offers physical therapy, which can focus on restoring strength, balance, flexibility, range of motion, and a safe return to activity.
Advanced Nonsurgical Options for Selected Ankle Conditions
MLS Laser Therapy. MLS Laser Therapy is one nonsurgical option the practice uses for selected musculoskeletal conditions, such as sprains, strains, arthritis, and Achilles tendonitis. Whether it is appropriate depends on the diagnosis, and results vary by condition and patient.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT). For selected chronic tendon problems, shock wave therapy may be considered as a noninvasive option after evaluation. Recovery and response vary by condition and patient.
When Surgery May Be Considered for Ankle Pain
Nonsurgical care is the practice’s first option. When ankle pain is caused by a condition that does not improve with appropriate conservative care, our board-certified foot and ankle surgeons can discuss whether a surgical option is indicated. The right approach depends on the specific diagnosis, and a surgeon can explain what to expect for your situation.
Returning to Activity After Ankle Pain or Injury
Getting back to walking, exercise, work, or sports depends on more than whether the ankle simply hurts less. The appropriate timing varies with the diagnosis and can depend on factors such as pain, range of motion, strength, balance, stability, and the demands of the activity you want to return to.
For patients recovering from a sprain or dealing with repeated instability, rehabilitation may focus on rebuilding strength and balance before full activity resumes. Bracing or other support may be considered in selected cases, particularly when previous ankle injuries have increased the risk of another sprain. Your provider or physical therapy team can help determine when progression is appropriate rather than relying on a fixed return-to-activity timeline.
“My family has been going to Associated Podiatrists for 9 years. Everything about our experience has been extremely positive, we have been there for everything from a sprained ankle to surgery. We can always get in for an appointment, the office staff are very welcoming and helpful, and the nurses/medical assistants are caring. We have seen Dr Miller mostly, and he is very thorough, takes all the time you need to explain his findings, and presents all the treatment options. Honestly, I wish we had the same experience for all our health care needs.”
– Michelle Lopus
Who Should Consider an Ankle Pain Evaluation?
Adults and children may benefit from an ankle evaluation when pain, swelling, stiffness, weakness, or instability is persistent, severe, or keeps returning. Evaluation may also be appropriate after an injury when it is difficult to bear weight, when the ankle repeatedly gives way, or when symptoms such as burning, tingling, or numbness suggest possible nerve involvement. You do not need to know the diagnosis before scheduling. The purpose of the visit is to identify the likely cause and determine whether conservative care, imaging, rehabilitation, an advanced treatment option, or surgical consultation should be considered. The appropriate plan depends on the diagnosis, examination findings, health history, and individual goals.
Why Consider Associated Podiatrists for Ankle Pain in Novi?
Patients looking for ankle pain care in Novi may consider several clinical and practical features of Associated Podiatrists, including the following:
Board-certified foot and ankle surgeons
The practice’s doctors evaluate and treat the full range of ankle pain and instability
A nonsurgical-first philosophy
Conservative care is the first option, with surgical expertise available when it is not enough
On-site digital X-ray
Imaging in the office can support timely evaluation of many ankle complaints
On-site physical therapy
Physical therapy services are available at the Novi office when rehabilitation is appropriate as part of the treatment plan
Care for all ages
The practice treats patients from children to seniors
Coordinated care
The team works with a patient’s primary care physician when appropriate
A Novi location in Providence Park
The office is located on Providence Parkway near Henry Ford Providence Novi Hospital, with access from surrounding Novi & Southeast Michigan communities
Meet the Foot and Ankle Surgeons Providing Care in Novi
Ankle care is as much judgment as it is technique, so it helps to know who is evaluating and treating you. Both of the practice’s podiatric surgeons bring board certification and years of foot and ankle experience.
Marc A. Borovoy, DPM
Dr. Borovoy is a podiatrist and podiatric surgeon who has provided podiatric care for more than 30 years. He earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in Cleveland and completed postgraduate training in podiatric surgery at Straith Memorial Hospital in Southfield, Michigan. He is board-certified in foot and ankle surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, and his practice specifically includes fractures, dislocations, and tendonitis, all of which are relevant to ankle pain. He served for 14 years as chief of the podiatry section at Providence Hospital in Southfield, is a past president of the Michigan Podiatric Medical Association, and chairs the board of directors for the Bone and Joint Surgery Center of Novi.
John D. Miller, DPM
Dr. Miller is a podiatrist and podiatric surgeon who joined Associated Podiatrists, P.C. in 2002. He earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in Cleveland and completed surgical training in foot and ankle reconstruction at Highlands/Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center in Denver. He is board-certified in foot surgery and reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, and his specialties include reconstructive foot and ankle surgery and foot and ankle sports injuries. He serves on the medical executive committee for the Bone and Joint Surgery Center of Novi, and his practice biography lists hospital affiliations with the Providence hospitals in Novi and Southfield.
Understanding the Cost of Ankle Pain Care in Novi
There is no single price for ankle pain treatment, because the cost depends on the diagnosis and the care involved. An evaluation might lead to conservative measures such as bracing, physical therapy, or orthotics, or to advanced options, and each carries different considerations. The clearest way to understand the cost for your situation is an evaluation and an individualized plan.
Associated Podiatrists accepts most major insurance plans and asks patients to call if their plan is not listed. Because benefits and authorization requirements vary by plan, coverage for any specific ankle treatment should be confirmed with your insurer before care. Our office can help you understand what to expect once a plan is in place.
What to Expect at Your Ankle Pain Evaluation
Your visit begins with a discussion of when the ankle pain started, where it hurts, whether there was an injury, and any history of previous sprains or instability. The provider then examines the ankle for areas such as tenderness, swelling, motion, stability, and weight-bearing ability. On-site digital X-ray may be used when clinically appropriate, particularly when a fracture, arthritis, or another bony problem is suspected. After the evaluation, your provider explains the findings and discusses the options that fit the diagnosis, beginning with conservative care when appropriate. If additional imaging, testing, or advanced treatment is needed, the next step can be discussed before you move forward.
Areas We Serve for Ankle Pain in Novi and Southeast Michigan
Associated Podiatrists, P.C. provides ankle pain evaluation and treatment from its Novi office at 26750 Providence Parkway, Suite 130. Patients may visit the practice from Novi and surrounding Southeast Michigan communities, including:
• Novi
• Northville
• Brighton
• Walled Lake
• West Bloomfield
• Howell
• White Lake Township
• Farmington Hills
• Southfield
• Ann Arbor
Ankle Pain Care That Fits an Active Novi Lifestyle
Ankle pain can interfere with everyday movement, whether symptoms show up while walking, exercising, working, or spending time around Novi. If walking through Twelve Oaks Mall leaves your ankle swollen or uncomfortable, or if pain or instability cuts a visit to the trails at Lakeshore Park on Walled Lake short, those symptoms may be worth evaluating rather than repeatedly working around them. Associated Podiatrists can assess the ankle, identify the likely source of the symptoms, and recommend care based on the diagnosis.
Schedule an Ankle Pain Evaluation in Novi
If ankle pain or instability is slowing you down, our team can help you find out why and what to do about it. Call to request an evaluation with an ankle pain specialist in Novi, MI, and we will walk through your symptoms, examine the ankle, and explain the options that fit your diagnosis.
- Address: 26750 Providence Pkwy #130, Novi, MI 48374
- Website: https://associatedpodiatristspc.com/
- Hours:
Monday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM,
Tuesday and Thursday 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM,
Wednesday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM,
Friday 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Associated Podiatrists, P.C. 26750 Providence Pkwy #130, Novi, MI 48374
Frequently Asked Questions About Ankle Pain in Novi, MI
Prompt evaluation is appropriate for severe or worsening ankle pain, significant swelling, an inability to bear weight, visible deformity after an injury, or loss of circulation or sensation. Repeated giving way, persistent swelling, numbness, tingling, or pain that does not improve after a few days also deserves evaluation. An open injury, severe deformity, loss of circulation or sensation, or another medical emergency may require emergency care rather than a routine office visit.
Common causes include sprains and ligament injuries, fractures, ankle arthritis, and tendon problems involving the Achilles, posterior tibial, or peroneal tendons. Chronic instability after an incompletely healed sprain and nerve-related conditions such as tarsal tunnel syndrome can also cause ankle pain. Because the causes overlap in how they feel, an exam is the reliable way to identify which one is involved.
A sprain involves injury to the ankle ligaments, while a fracture involves a break in one or more ankle bones. Both can cause pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight, so symptoms alone may not reliably distinguish them. A podiatric examination and, when appropriate, an X-ray can help determine whether a fracture or ligament injury is present. Associated Podiatrists offers on-site digital X-ray at the Novi office.
Physical therapy can help with many causes of ankle pain by working on strength, balance, flexibility, range of motion, and a safe return to activity. It is often part of conservative care for sprains, tendon problems, and chronic instability. Associated Podiatrists offer on-site physical therapy, and whether it fits your situation depends on the diagnosis.
For mild, recent ankle pain, rest, ice, gentle compression, and elevation can help, along with avoiding activities that make it worse. These measures may ease minor symptoms, but they are not a cure for an ongoing problem. If pain does not improve within a few days, keeps returning, or comes with swelling, instability, or trouble bearing weight, have the ankle evaluated.
Not every patient with ankle pain needs an X-ray. Imaging depends on how the symptoms started, the examination findings, and whether a fracture, arthritis, alignment problem, or another bony condition is suspected. Associated Podiatrists offers on-site digital X-ray in Novi, and the podiatrist can determine whether additional imaging or testing is needed in selected cases.
Supportive footwear may be helpful for certain causes of ankle pain, but the best shoe depends on the diagnosis, foot structure, activity, and where the ankle is being stressed. Some patients may also benefit from custom orthotics when additional support or alignment control is appropriate. A podiatric evaluation can help determine what type of footwear or support fits the condition.
A brace can help protect and support the ankle for certain conditions, such as after a sprain or with instability, but it is not right for every situation and is not a replacement for diagnosis. Using a brace without knowing the cause can mask a problem that needs treatment. A provider can tell you whether bracing fits your diagnosis and how long to use it.
There is no single return-to-sport timeline for every ankle injury. Readiness depends on the diagnosis and may involve pain level, range of motion, strength, stability, balance, and the demands of the sport. Rehabilitation should be completed appropriately before full return to activity, particularly after repeated sprains or ankle instability. Your provider can help guide progression based on your individual recovery.
Ankle pain without a clear injury is common and usually still has a cause, such as arthritis, a tendon problem, nerve involvement, flat feet, or subtle alignment issues that build up over time. Gradual, unexplained ankle pain is worth evaluating, especially if it is affecting how you walk or stand, because identifying the cause is what makes effective treatment possible.
Some mild ankle symptoms may improve with temporary activity modification and supportive care, depending on the cause. Pain that is severe, persists beyond a few days, keeps returning, or comes with significant swelling, instability, or difficulty bearing weight should be evaluated rather than assuming it will resolve on its own. The expected course depends on the diagnosis.
Seek prompt evaluation if ankle pain is severe, prevents you from bearing weight, follows a significant injury, or comes with substantial swelling or deformity. For milder symptoms, pain that persists beyond a few days or repeatedly returns is also worth having evaluated. An ankle pain specialist in Novi, MI can examine the ankle and determine whether imaging, conservative care, rehabilitation, or another next step is appropriate.
Ankle pain that shows up in the evening or at night can follow a long day of standing and walking, and it is also common with arthritis, tendon problems, or nerve conditions that flare with rest or certain positions. If night pain is frequent, disrupts sleep, or comes with swelling or stiffness, an evaluation can help pinpoint the cause and the right approach.
Pain on the inner ankle often involves tendon or joint stress, such as posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, and it can also relate to early arthritis, flat feet, or alignment problems that strain the inner structures. Nerve conditions like tarsal tunnel syndrome can add burning or tingling on the inside of the ankle. Because several conditions overlap here, an exam helps identify the source.
Yes. Ankle pain that comes with stiffness, reduced mobility, and a gradual onset rather than a single injury can be a sign of arthritis. Arthritis is one of several conditions our providers evaluate, and many patients start with nonsurgical care. When arthritis is the main concern, our Arthritis page covers condition-specific treatment in more detail.
Health Resources and Related Pages
To learn more about ankle pain and related care at Associated Podiatrists, explore the related service pages, patient education, and articles below.
Get Answers About Your Ankle Pain in Novi
You do not have to keep working around ankle pain. If your ankle hurts, swells, or feels unstable, our board-certified foot and ankle surgeons can help you understand the cause and the options. Reach out whenever you are ready to have it evaluated.
- Address: 26750 Providence Pkwy #130, Novi, MI 48374
- Website: https://associatedpodiatristspc.com/
- Hours:
Monday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM,
Tuesday and Thursday 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM,
Wednesday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM,
Friday 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Associated Podiatrists, P.C. 26750 Providence Pkwy #130, Novi, MI 48374