Ankle pain, while initially thought of as an issue for athletes, can affect anyone at anytime. Simple, everyday activities, such as walking or running on an uneven surface, have the possibility of causing serious harm to one’s ankle. That is, however, not to discount athletic injuries; in fact, half of all ankle sprains are inflicted during an athletic activity. The most common causes of ankle injuries include tripping or falling, landing awkwardly after jumping, a sudden impact such as a car crash, or twisting, rolling, and rotating of the ankle.
Some signs that point to the potential of an ankle injury include pain towards the affected area, swelling, bruising, or an inability to walk or bear weight on the affected area. You may also notice an increase in the height of the arch of the inflicted foot. In order to understand why the injury occurred, a podiatrist will often question the patient about the events leading up to their ankle discomfort. An x-ray of the leg or foot may also be performed to discover what’s harming the ankle.
There are many different types of ankle injuries, such as ankle sprains, fractures, strains, and tendonitis. To relieve discomfort caused by these conditions, it’s recommended to get plenty of rest, use ice to reduce swelling and ease pain, compress the injured ankle by wrapping it for support, and elevate the ankle to reduce swelling.
If you or someone you know is experiencing pain or discomfort in the ankle region, seek out the help of a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment regime.
Ankle Pain Q & A
What causes ankle pain?
There are many possible causes of ankle pain, including:
- Sprained ankle
- Ankle instability
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Post-traumatic arthritis
- Gout
- Cartilage damage, such as osteochondral lesions
- Impingement
- Achilles tendonitis
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Fractures
- Bursitis
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Some cases of ankle pain may have more than one contributing factor. For example, an ankle sprain that doesn’t heal can lead to ankle instability. Ankle damage of any type, whether it affects the ligaments, bones, or another part of your ankle, can later lead to post-traumatic arthritis.
When do I need treatment for ankle pain?
Ankle pain isn’t something you should ignore. If your ankle pain just started and it’s relatively mild, several days of rest, ice, compression, and elevation (the RICE protocol) at home may help.
But if your ankle pain seems to get worse and worse, or if you’re experiencing both pain and other issues such as swelling, weakness, bruising, or a change in the appearance of the ankle joint, it’s best to contact Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists about treatment as soon as possible.
How is ankle pain diagnosed?
Diagnosis is the most important part of determining the right treatment plan. The Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists team performs ankle exams, gait (walking pattern) analysis, and imaging tests to find the underlying ankle pain trigger.
In some cases, you may also need a minimally invasive procedure, ankle arthroscopy, to find the cause of your ankle pain. During this procedure, the team uses a miniature camera to examine your ankle joint closely.
If needed, they can also perform many types of treatment during ankle arthroscopy.
How is ankle pain treated?
Ankle pain treatment often includes a variety of nonsurgical options in the beginning, such as physical therapy, bracing, oral medication, and custom orthotics.
For serious problems inside the ankle, you could need surgery to repair the issue and relieve the pain. Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists team includes surgeons who have extensive expertise in arthroscopy, bone grafting, cartilage restoration, talus and tibia allograft, ankle fusion, and total ankle replacement.
Ankle pain can become overpowering if untreated, and it could eventually lead to severe mobility issues as well. Fortunately, Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists offers a wide array of options for treatment, including the most advanced surgical innovations. Call the office, or use the online scheduling link to make your appointment now.
