Discover what could be causing your ankle pain and what you should do about it.
Ankle pain may seem like something you can treat from home and while some minor cases can easily be cared for in this way, it’s 
important that you turn to one of our West Houston podiatrists Dr. Samuel Mendicino, Dr. Asia Lo and Dr. Manish Patel for the best and most effective foot care you can get so that you are back on your feet faster.
What problems can cause ankle pain?
Sprains and fractures
These are the most common causes of ankle pain and can range from acute to more severe cases. If you are experiencing sudden or severe pain, swelling, weakness, heard a popping sound at the moment of injury or you can’t apply any weight to the foot then you need to see your foot doctor in West Houston right away.
Treatment: When it comes to ankle sprains the first course of action includes more conservative options like icing, rest, elevation and even using crutches to avoid further damage to the sprained ligaments or fractured bones. You can even opt for OTC anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation and pain. Physical therapy and incorporating certain stretching and strengthening exercises into your daily life will also help to rehab the ankle.
If your injury is severe your foot and ankle will be placed into an immobilization cast. In rare cases of serious injury surgery may be necessary to repair the injury.
Tendonitis
This condition is responsible for tendon inflammation and also causes tenderness, swelling and pain. You may notice these symptoms right away following a sports-related injury. It’s important to see immediate treatment from our West Houston foot and ankle experts.
Treatment: Immediate treatment options include immobilization, icing, rest and avoiding activities, icing, over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers and anti-inflammatories. If the tendon has ruptured it will often require surgery.
While these aren’t all the issues that can cause ankle pain they are the two most common issues that occur. Other possible causes include:
- Arthritis
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Bacterial or viral infections (rare)
If you are dealing with any ankle pain, stiffness, weakness, swelling or tenderness then it’s time you called our office right away for the care you need. Turn to the West Houston podiatric experts at the Foot & Ankle lnstitute.