What causes ankle pain?
Ankle pain has many potential causes, ranging from injuries like a sprain or fracture to conditions like arthritis. The level of pain and other symptoms vary depending on the cause of your pain. You might feel gradual or sudden burning, aching, or throbbing, and have swelling.
If you experience ankle pain, it may be due to one of these causes:
Sprain
A sprain occurs when the ligaments that enable your ankle joint to support the weight of your body are injured. A sudden twist from a trip or fall or setting your foot down awkwardly can overstretch them past the normal range and sometimes result in a tear.
If they don’t heal properly, your joints become chronically weak, uncomfortable, and painful. If your ankle is swollen, stiff, unstable, or bruised, you need to seek medical attention.
Arthritis
Arthritis can affect one or multiple joints. Over 54 million Americans are affected by this disease. There are many types of arthritis, each with its own cause and treatment methods.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It’s caused by trauma, genetic predisposition, and stress to the joint. One of the major symptoms of osteoarthritis is pain. Your ankle pain might also be as a result of rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia.
You might also encounter ankle pain from:
- Ankle instability
- Nerve damage
- A fracture
- An infection
- Poor structural alignment of the leg or foot
Plantar fasciitis and an Achilles tendon rupture may also cause ankle pain.
When should I see a doctor for ankle pain?
Some effective home remedies can alleviate ankle pain, including applying ice to the ankle, elevating the foot, using compression bandages, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers.
However, these methods are not always sufficient to correctly treat ankle pain. Book an appointment with Dr. Battula at Bay Area Foot and Ankle Center immediately if you have these symptoms:
- Deformity around your ankle joint
- Inability to work comfortably or put weight on your foot
- Ankle pain that only shows up at night
- Inability to bend the ankle
- Signs of an infection
- Swelling in the joint
Given that the cause of pain in the ankle may vary, seek medical help if you’re unsure of the cause of your ankle symptoms or if your pain persists beyond a few days.
What treatments are available for ankle pain?
Dr. Battula starts treating all ankle pain with a consultation. During your consultation, Dr. Battula takes your medical history and examines your ankle to pinpoint the exact cause of your ankle pain. She might recommend some tests if needed.
Afterward, your podiatrist starts you on a treatment plan tailored toward your specific ankle pain. It might include intensive measures like physical therapy or simple measures like resting and icing.
Call today or book an appointment online to put an end to your ankle pain and regain your active lifestyle.
