Ankle Pain Has Many Causes
There are many causes of ankle pain due to the complex architecture of the foot. There are a multitude of tendons, ligaments, tissues and bones that are all susceptible to painful and debilitating stress and injury. The location of pain can radiate from the inside to the outside of the ankle, and possibly along the Achilles tendon. This tendon connects your lower leg and calf muscles to your heel bone.
Common ankle problems that can cause pain and debilitation include the following:
● Tendonitis or tendon rupture
● Bursitis
● Gout
● Plantar fasciitis
● Rheumatoid and osteoarthritis
● Breaks and stress fractures
Because of the complexity of the ankle joint, even a minor injury can bring on severe pain, swelling and stiffness.
Treatment for ankle pain can be started with the RICE method:
● Rest - Take the weight off of the ankle.
● Ice - Apply ice several times a day for fifteen minutes at a time.
● Compression - A compression bandage will help reduce swelling.
● Elevation - Raise your foot above heart level to reduce swelling.
Ibuprofen and naproxen sodium can be taken to reduce discomfort and inflammation.
If your pain and discomfort are not significantly reduced after a week, or if the swelling remains severe even after several days of rest, it may be a sign of a more difficult problem. Your podiatrist will determine the cause of the pain and provide the best treatment.
If you are suffering from ankle pain, we highly recommend that you consult our board-certified podiatrists Andrew Shapiro, DPM and Michael Barkin, DPM. With access to advanced technologies, along with years of experience to help diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle problems, we can assist you with heel pain, ankle sprains, diabetic foot care, toe deformities, nail fungus, and skin problems, among many other conditions. Our practice is conveniently located on West Merrick Road in Valley Stream to accommodate all of your foot care needs. Call (516) 825-3860 or book an appointment online today!