What Causes Ankle Pain?

There are different forms of ankle pain, and they can occur for a variety of different reasons. For example, an ankle sprain is a common injury that can happen as a result of falling and twisting the ankle. The ligaments can tear or stretch, and this generally causes severe pain and discomfort. If the joints surrounding the ankle become inflamed, a condition known as arthritis may be present. The most common forms of this condition are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Additionally, gout is a painful condition that affects the big toe primarily but can affect the ankle as well. It can occur as a result of specific foods that are eaten. Some patients develop tendonitis in the ankle, which can cause difficulty in moving the lower portion of the foot. If you are experiencing ankle pain for any reason, it is advised to speak to a podiatrist who can guide you toward beginning the correct treatment.

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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