What causes ankle pain?
Your ankle is composed of ligaments, muscles, tendons, and bones, and it’s strong enough to bear your body weight while allowing you to run, jump, and move around. If any element of your ankle is inflamed, strained, or injured, you may feel mild to severe pain on the outside or inside of your ankle, or along the Achilles tendon.
A number of medical conditions and injuries can lead to inflammation and pain in the ankle, including:
- Gout
- Arthritis
- Autoimmune disease
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Achilles tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Twisting your foot
- Stress fracture
- Injury from a fall or some form of trauma
- Sprain or strain
If you have severe pain and swelling, an open wound or deformity, signs of infection, or you can’t put weight on your foot, it’s especially important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
What is the difference between a sprain and a strain?
Perhaps the most common ankle injuries are sprains and strains, identified by the specific elements in the ankle that are affected by the injury.
- Sprain: When the stronger ligaments that support your ankle overstretch and tear, it’s referred to as an ankle sprain. Ankle sprains are common and can occur in people of all ages. Repeated ankle sprains can lead to long-term complications such as arthritis, chronic ankle pain, and instability.
- Strain: An ankle strain is a pull, tear, or twist of a tendon or muscle in your ankle. An acute strain can happen suddenly, and a chronic strain happens over several days or weeks. You might have trouble moving your ankle, and you may notice pain, swelling, cramping, and weakness.
How is ankle pain treated?
The optimal treatment for your ankle pain depends on the precise cause. After obtaining an accurate and comprehensive diagnosis, your podiatrist might recommend:
- Optimal nutrition
- Custom orthotics
- Physical therapy and regular exercise
- Topical or oral pain relievers
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- MLS laser therapy
- Extracorporeal shock wave therapy
- Amniotic fluid injections (stem cells)
- PRP Injections
While surgery is typically a last resort, it might be necessary in severe cases. The doctors at Associated Podiatrists, P.C. are skilled and experienced foot and ankle surgeons with operating privileges at several area hospitals.
Why should I see a podiatrist for ankle pain?
Working with a qualified podiatrist can help you to:
- Alleviate your ankle pain and reduce inflammation
- Get to the root of your problem and access effective treatments and orthotic devices
- Obtain valuable medical support and care from a provider specially trained in issues of the foot and ankle
If you’re experiencing ankle pain, book your consultation online or call the office today.
