An ankle sprain is a common cause of ankle pain. It generally occurs as a result of turning or rolling the ankle beyond its normal range of motion. This can happen from stepping off of a curb unexpectedly, which may cause the ligaments of the ankle to become overstretched or torn. The grades of ankle sprains can vary, and each grade plays a role in the length of recovery time. Relief may be found when simple stretches are performed, and this may accelerate the process of healing the ankle joints. Additionally, it may help to strengthen the muscles surrounding the affected area in order to help avoid re-injury. Other ways to find relief may include manual therapy or staying off of the affected ankle as often as possible. If you are experiencing any type of ankle pain it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.
Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists of The Foot and Ankle Associates of North Carolina, PLLC. 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
- Bursitis
- 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 one of our offices located in Ahoskie, Durham, Raleigh, and Rocky Mount, NC. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.