Ankle pain with each step makes everyday activities more difficult, from crossing a parking lot to moving around the house. The ankle supports body weight while allowing the foot to bend and adjust to changing surfaces. Pain develops when an injury or disease disrupts these movements. A sprain stretches or tears the ligaments, which are strong bands that connect bones. Repeated strain also irritates tendons, the cords that attach muscles to bones. Arthritis damages the joint and causes stiffness. Pain sometimes follows a clear injury, but it also develops gradually without a specific accident.
The location and timing of the pain provide useful clues. Pain along the inside of the ankle sometimes involves the tendon that supports the arch. Discomfort at the back may involve the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel. An old sprain that heals poorly sometimes causes the ankle to feel unstable or prone to giving way. A podiatrist reviews previous injuries and asks when current symptoms began. The examination includes checking tender areas, assessing normal joint movement, and watching the patient walk. X-rays help identify fractures or arthritis. Ultrasounds or an MRI scan provides additional information about damaged tendons and ligaments when the examination suggests these problems.
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the pain. A podiatrist may prescribe a brace to stabilize the ankle or a walking boot to protect an injured structure. Custom shoe inserts may be prescribed to help redistribute pressure and support foot alignment. To address advanced joint damage or a significant tear, surgery may be needed. Follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to assess healing and adjust the treatment plan accordingly. Sudden severe pain, an obvious deformity, or an inability to bear weight requires urgent medical evaluation. If you have ankle pain while walking, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Franklin Harry, DPM from Best Foot Forward. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
- Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
- Ankle sprains
- Broken ankles
- Achilles tendinitis
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Stress fractures
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Plantar fasciitis
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Festus and St. Louis, MO . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
