What Causes Ankle Pain?

It’s important that you never ignore ankle pain.

Is your ankle hurting? Are you unsure what is going on? Well, you’ve come to the right place. After all, many problems could be causing your ankle pain and it’s important that you get to the bottom of the problem so that you know exactly what you should do to make sure it heals properly. Learn more about ankle pain and when it’s time to visit our West Houston,TX, foot and ankle doctor, Dr. Asia Lo for care.

Here’s are some common reasons for ankle pain and how to treat them,

Sprained Ankle

If you sprained your ankle, this can overstretch or even tear the ligaments that attach to the ankle bones. Along with pain you may also notice bruising or swelling around the ankle. In some cases, you might not be able to put weight on the foot without it causing you pain.

How to Treat It

Sprains can be minor and, as a result, usually don’t require more than simple at-home care. The best way to treat a sprained ankle is with the RICE method, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. These treatment options will also help reduce pain and inflammation; however, resting your foot is crucial if you want the injury to heal quickly. Minor sprains often go away in a few days. If it does not get better, come in for evaluation.

Ankle Fracture

There are three bones within the ankle. If one or more bones break, then you will immediately notice pain, swelling, and bruising around the ankle. You may even have heard an audible pop or snap the moment the fracture occurred. The ankle may be tender or it may be difficult to walk on the foot.

How to Treat It

Rest is key to making sure your ankle makes a full and swift recovery. Just like with a sprain, it’s important to follow the RICE method. Your foot and ankle doctor will take x-rays and give medicine to help manage pain. You may also have to wear a splint or cast to protect the ankle until it heals. Surgery is only necessary for more severe sprains that aren't healing with traditional non-surgical treatment options.

Arthritis

If you are dealing with persistent pain in both ankles, along with stiffness or swelling in the feet, then you may be dealing with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, an immune disorder that affects the joints. If you suspect that your ankle pain might be due to arthritis, it’s important to visit our Houston, TX, foot and ankle doctor right away for an evaluation.

How to Treat It

Even though there is no cure for arthritis, our foot and ankle doctors can provide several treatment options that can reduce the severity of your symptoms. Medications along with prescription orthotics, special exercises, physical therapy, and certain lifestyle modifications can help you manage arthritis and slow its progression. Surgery is reserved for when conservative measures fail.

Don’t let ankle pain impact your daily routine. Here at Foot & Ankle Institute, we have one office in Houston, TX, to serve you. To schedule an evaluation with our foot and ankle doctor, call (281) 531-4100.

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