Ankle Sprains May Cause Pain

The ligaments that are located in the ankle have the job of keeping the ankle joints from turning and twisting the wrong way. If an injury should occur in which the ankle twists unnaturally, an ankle sprain may be the result. This ailment will typically cause severe pain and discomfort. There are several ways to incur this type of injury, including enduring a fall where the ankle rolls or twists, stepping off a curb unexpectedly, or tripping over an object. Some of the noticeable symptoms may include swelling, redness and tenderness, in addition to having difficulty putting weight on the foot. Some patients experience bruising around the ankle and surrounding areas, or pain that may be felt throughout the entire ankle. Traditional treatment methods may include elevating the foot or using crutches that aid in walking. If you feel you have sprained your ankle, it’s advised to seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly diagnosis this 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.

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