Ankle Pain Specialist

What is ankle pain?

Ankle pain is any stiffness or discomfort that affects any part of your ankle. Most cases of ankle pain are mild and respond to at-home treatments like ice, rest, and over-the-counter pain medication. 

If your ankle swells up or feels warm to the touch, and you’re unable to put weight on it, make an appointment at Gentle Foot and Ankle Care. These symptoms may indicate a more serious issue, like a fracture, ruptured tendon, or an inflammatory condition like arthritis. 

Who is at risk of ankle pain?

Anyone can experience ankle pain, but several factors may increase your risk, including:

• Being 65 or older
• Playing sports that involve jumping or frequent pivots
• Weight issues
• A history of trauma, like fractures or sprains

You’re also more likely to experience ankle pain if you wear shoes that don’t provide adequate support.

What are some common causes of ankle pain?

Ankle pain occurs for various reasons, including:

• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Fractures
• Tendonitis
• Gout
• Flat feet

In some cases, ankle pain occurs due to an infection of the bone, called osteomyelitis.

How is ankle pain diagnosed? 

To diagnose ankle pain, your Gentle Foot and Ankle Care provider asks about your symptoms and reviews your medical history. Then, they examine your ankle, checking its flexibility, strength, and range of motion. Afterward, your provider gently presses on your ankle to find areas of sensitivity or warmth. 

Before making recommendations for treatment, your provider orders diagnostic imaging like X-rays or an MRI. These tools can rule out underlying issues like fractures or a dislocated joint.

How is ankle pain treated?

At Gentle Foot and Ankle Care, the team offers several types of treatment for ankle pain, including:

Healthy lifestyle changes

If you only experience ankle pain occasionally, the team might recommend maintaining a healthy weight, wearing more comfortable shoes, and eating a balanced diet. Often, changes like these are enough to reduce inflammation and lower the incidence of flare-ups. 

Ankle arthroscopy

Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses special tools to make repairs to your hard or soft tissues. It’s quick, presents fewer risks than open surgery, and provides lasting treatment outcomes.

Total ankle replacement

If you have a severely damaged or diseased ankle joint, the team might recommend total ankle replacement. During this type of surgery, your provider replaces your joint with a 3D custom implant made of cobalt or chromium. The implant mimics your natural joint, restoring your full range of motion.

Ankle fusion

If you have ankle arthritis, the team might recommend ankle fusion surgery. Ankle fusion prevents the bones in your ankle from moving out of position, relieving pain and inflammation while encouraging mobility. 

Ankle reconstructive surgery

Ankle reconstructive surgery is an outpatient procedure that treats severe sprains and ankle instability. During ankle reconstructive surgery, your provider uses special tools to tighten one or more of the ligaments that support your ankle.

To learn more about the different treatment options for ankle pain, make an appointment at Gentle Foot and Ankle Care by calling the nearest office or clicking the online booking tool today.