Ankle Pain Specialist

What causes ankle pain?

Ankle pain commonly happens after an injury, but some diseases can also cause ankle pain. Some common causes of ankle pain include: 

• Ligament sprains in the inner or outer ankle
• Fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome (nerve compression)
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Osteoarthritis
• Gout

Sometimes, one condition can lead to ankle pain in a surprising way. For example, if you have flat feet, it’s quite common to roll your ankles inward slightly when you walk. In turn, this condition can put excessive pressure on your ankle joint, which can lead to ankle pain.

When might I need treatment for ankle pain?

Ankle pain is a sign that you need to attend to the problem, so it’s important to contact your podiatrist if you’re experiencing any pain. Your ankle pain symptoms may include: 

• Change in your ankle’s appearance
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Weakness 
• Instability (the feeling that your ankle’s giving out)

Ankles are workhorse joints that support a lot of weight every day, so ankle pain can really set you back and disrupt your daily routine. If you’re having ankle pain and other associated issues, seeking treatment can help you prevent more serious problems later. 

How is ankle pain treated?

You will first complete a physical exam as your podiatrist checks your ankle function and pain level. Your podiatrist may also need X-ray or other imaging tests as well to diagnose ankle pain. After determining your diagnosis, your podiatrist will recommend a treatment plan to relieve the pain. 

Treatments for ankle pain may include oral anti-inflammatory medications, ankle bracing, physical therapy or custom orthotics. 

If you have severe ankle swelling and pain, your podiatrist might also recommend a steroid injection to ease the pain for as long as a few months. 

In most cases, ankle pain responds to conservative care. However, if you have a complicated fracture, severe arthritis, or other issue that isn’t treatable with non-surgical approaches, your podiatrist may recommend ankle surgery. Surgical procedures can range from minimally invasive procedures to full ankle joint replacement based upon your needs.

Ankle pain can affect your daily routine and quality of life, so it’s important to attend to the pain and promptly take care of the problem. To find out more information about ankle pain and treatment options, call the Paris Foot & Ankle Clinic office in Paris, Texas, or use the online booking page today.