Ankle pain can make standing, walking, and other daily activities difficult. The ankle contains bones, joints, and soft tissues that work together to support body weight and movement. Pain can occur after an injury or a change in activity. Symptoms can include swelling, stiffness, and tenderness. Some patients also experience numbness or tingling. Pain can sometimes come from another area of the body, which is called referred pain. Changes in foot structure, excess body weight, or shoes that lack proper support can also place extra stress on the ankle.
Ankle sprains are one possible cause of pain. A sprain happens when the ankle rolls, twists, or turns forcefully and damages supporting ligaments. Most sprains occur when the foot twists inward, causing pain around the outside of the ankle. Fractures can also cause ankle pain, especially after a hard impact or fall. Achilles tendon problems can develop after a sudden increase in training or a new activity. The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel and helps raise the heel when walking or running. Arthritis can also affect the ankle joint and contribute to pain or stiffness.
A podiatrist can evaluate ankle pain by examining the painful area and checking how the foot and ankle move. The assessment can consider walking patterns, joint movement, and foot structure. A podiatrist can determine whether shoes or abnormal foot mechanics are placing added stress on the ankle. Treatment can include supportive devices, shoe recommendations, and targeted movement guidance. Custom orthotics can also help control abnormal foot movement when appropriate. Severe tenderness over a bone or an inability to put weight on the ankle can indicate a more serious injury. If you have symptoms of ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.
Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from North Florida Foot & Ankle Center. our doctors 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 office located in Ponte Vedra, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
