What are some common causes of ankle pain?
There’s a long list of potential injuries and conditions that can cause ankle pain. There are several bones, ligaments, and tendons in this complex and delicate joint that absorb much of the pressure and stress of every step you take, increasing your risk of injury.
Some of the common causes of ankle pain treated at Rocky Mountain Foot and Ankle Center include:
- Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons that connect your leg and foot muscles to your ankle bones
- Sprains: Overstretching and tearing the ligaments that hold your ankle bones together
- Fractures: Stress fractures and simple and compound breaks in the ankle bones
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are both common in your ankles
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome: Inflammation that causes your tarsal tunnel to narrow, compressing the nerves that pass through
How is the cause of ankle pain diagnosed?
The podiatrists at Rocky Mountain Foot and Ankle Center combine comprehensive exams with diagnostic imaging tools to identify the cause of your ankle pain.
Your doctor will carefully examine your foot and ankle. He’ll ask you questions about your pain and other symptoms and will ask you to walk across the treatment room a few times so he can observe your gait.
When necessary, your doctor will order X-rays or MRIs to see the bones and tissues inside your ankle to confirm a diagnosis.
How is ankle pain treated?
Treatment for ankle pain depends on the condition behind your pain. Minor injuries are typically treated with the RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) method, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy to rebuild your strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
If you have an acute injury like a fracture or a severe ankle sprain, your doctor often uses an immobilizing device like a boot or cast to keep your bones, ligaments, and tendons in the correct position while they heal. Once your tissue heals, you’ll have physical therapy to support your recovery.
Conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are often treated with medications and physical therapy. Exercise is critical to building strength and flexibility in the muscles that support your ankles so that when your arthritis symptoms flare up, your body is better able to support your joint.
If you have ankle pain, call or schedule an appointment online today.
