When your ankle is painful, it can significantly affect your mobility. As there are many causes of ankle pain, it is important you are evaluated by a podiatrist, like those at The Foot Doctors of Santa Cruz County. Whether the cause of your pain is a strain, fracture, arthritis, or other issues, they are experienced at getting you mobile again. Book online, or call for an appointment at their offices in Watsonville or Santa Cruz, California.
Ankle Pain Q & A
What is ankle pain?
Ankle pain originates in or around the joint between your foot and leg. This joint is made up of several bones, ligaments, and tendons. When these are injured or damaged, it can cause instability of the joint, creating pain and impacting your ability to walk.
Once your ankle has been injured, it is often at high risk for recurrent injury. Proper treatment is important, not only for short-term relief of your pain but also to prevent long-term complications.
What causes ankle pain?
The most common cause of ankle pain is a sprain, which is caused by an unnatural twisting or force on the ankle. This may result in excessive stretching or tearing of the ligaments supporting the ankle.
An ankle sprain may lead to other problems, like joint instability, nerve damage, tendinitis, and chronic pain.
Other potential reasons for your ankle pain may include:
- Arthritis
- Fracture
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteochondritis
- Gout
- Infection
The underlying cause of your pain will determine the best treatment plan to relieve your pain.
What are the symptoms of an ankle injury?
You may experience ankle pain in a number of different ways. Your pain may be more intense when you bear weight on your foot or when you rotate the joint. The pain may be localized or may involve the entire joint.
You may have symptoms like:
- Ankle instability
- Difficulty walking
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Warmth in joint
Your podiatry team will take a thorough health history, perform a physical exam, and take X-rays to help determine the underlying cause of your pain.
What treatments are available to relieve ankle pain?
Your treatment plan will focus on relief of pain and full return of your mobility. Treatments may include:
- Rest
- Immobilization
- Elevation
- Ice therapy
- Pain medication
- Brace or cast
- Steroid injections
- Physical therapy
In some cases, surgery may be required to remove bone fragments, cartilage, or scar tissue, or to fix injured nerves, bones, ligaments, or tendons.
Your podiatrist at The Foot Doctors of Santa Cruz County suggests the best course of action to get you back on your feet based on your symptoms and their underlying cause.
For an expert consultation regarding your ankle pain, call or book an appointment online today.