What causes ankle pain?
It’s estimated that over one million Americans head to the emergency room each year with ankle injuries. The most common causes of ankle pain are sprained ankles and fractures, but there are a number of other causes of ankle pain, too, including:
- Muscle strains
- Tendonitis
- Osteoarthritis
- Gout
- Bursitis
In some cases, ankle pain is a secondary source of pain due to another issue. For instance, if you have plantar fasciitis, you might have an abnormal gait, meaning you walk abnormally to avoid bearing weight on the affected foot. This can cause pain further up in your lower extremities, including your ankles.
When should I see a doctor for ankle pain?
It’s important to request an ankle pain evaluation at Town Center Foot & Ankle if your pain is keeping you from work, or from participating in your regular activities. You should also request a visit if your ankle is:
- Severely bruised
- Swollen or seems to be getting worse
- Unstable or leaves you unable to bear weight on it
- Causing severe pain or throbbing
Request an exam right away if it seems like you might have an infection. For example, if your ankle is red or warm to the touch, or if you have a fever, you might have a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection that needs immediate medical treatment.
How is ankle pain treated?
Your ankle pain treatment depends on the cause. Your dedicated podiatry team at Town Center Foot & Ankle spends time thoroughly diagnosing you, so they can put together an effective treatment plan that can include:
- Customized orthotics
- In-office physical therapy
- Bracing or splinting
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Cortisone injections
To help heal soft tissue or bone injuries, or arthritic inflammation, you may benefit from electrical stimulation or ultrasound therapy as well. If you have a severe injury or aren’t having improvement after trying conservative therapies, the team could suggest minimally invasive surgery to repair bones or soft tissues.
Whether you had a recent injury or have experienced ankle pain for a while, it’s time to see what the team at Town Center Foot & Ankle can do for you. Request your visit over the phone or online.
