Many people experience ankle pain at some point in their lives. Runners are typically familiar with this type of pain and discomfort and are aware of the inconvenience this can cause. If the ankle suddenly twists from stepping off of a curb, the result may be an ankle sprain. This occurs when the ligaments become stretched or torn and may become swollen. If this should happen, it is necessary to properly heal your ankle, which may prevent additional sprains from occurring. There are existing medical conditions that may cause tendons to rub against the bones in the ankle, which can cause ankle instability. These may include flat feet, and Achilles tendon injuries. Additionally, if poorly fitting shoes are worn, stress fractures may become apparent in the ankles. If you are experiencing any type of ankle pain, it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly treat this type of ailment.
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.