What is ankle pain?
Ankle pain is an uncomfortable feeling in your ankle, the joint that connects your foot to your lower leg bone. The joint consists of bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. You might experience ankle pain after an injury, disease, or age-related wear and tear.
What causes ankle pain?
The following conditions are associated with ankle pain:
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Achilles tendinitis
- Fractures
- Strains
- Sprains
- Bursitis
- Gout
- Arthritis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Ankle pain might appear after a sports-related injury or overuse. Signs and symptoms of an injury include redness, swelling, mild or severe pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility or range of motion.
How is ankle pain diagnosed?
To diagnose ankle pain and find its root cause, your specialist at Western Orthopaedics, P.C., examines your ankle and reviews your medical history and symptoms. They might recommend blood tests, X-rays, MRIs, or other imaging procedures to determine the most appropriate treatment.
How is ankle pain treated?
Your customized ankle pain treatment from Western Orthopaedics, P.C., might include one or more of the following:
Home care
Resting your ankle, using ice or heat packs, and wearing an ankle brace while you heal might be all that’s needed to fully recover from an ankle injury.
Anti-inflammatory medications
Taking anti-inflammatory medicines can reduce swelling and discomfort. Your provider might recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications.
Fracture care
Bracing, casts, traction, external fixation, and surgery are examples of fracture care your orthopaedic specialist offers at Western Orthopaedics, P.C.
Injections
Hyaluronic acid, steroid, and pain-relieving injections can reduce pain and inflammation in your ankle joint.
Regenerative medicine
Regenerative medicine treatments that stimulate your body’s natural healing response and cell regeneration include platelet-rich plasma (PRP), stem cells, and exosomes.
Radiofrequency ablation
During radiofrequency ablation, your provider uses radiofrequency energy to prevent pain signals from reaching your brain. It’s a painless, noninvasive treatment without any downtime.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy uses flexibility and strength exercises to accelerate healing, reduce pain, and prevent re-injury in your ankle.
Surgery
Ankle surgery is reserved for severe injuries or arthritis that doesn’t resolve with other treatments. Your orthopaedic specialist lets you know if you’re a good candidate for ankle surgery. They offer traditional arthrodesis (fusion) of the ankle and ankle replacement or distraction arthroplasty, which are two attractive alternative treatments for select candidates.
Don’t let chronic or severe ankle pain diminish your quality of life. Schedule an appointment with the experts at Western Orthopaedics, P.C., by phone or request one online for relief.