Causes and Treatments for Ankle Pain

The ankles are joints that are crucial for the body's mobility, balance, and stability. According to Dr. Heather Morse, Dr. Raymond Noonan, Jr., and Dr. Migail Skov of Northside Podiatry in Atlanta, GA, the ankle is a complex joint of bones, nerves, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and more. Depending on the cause of the ankle discomfort, an individual may feel pain or stiffness anywhere around your ankle. One’s ankle may also swell, making it challenging to put any weight on it.

Common Causes of Ankle Pain

Ankle pain has many causes. The most common causes of ankle pain stem from injuries (i.e., fracture to a bone or rupture of the Achilles tendon, etc.) include –

• Tendinitis.
• Bursitis.
• Sprained Ankle.
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome.
• A pinched nerve and more.

Ankle pain that an injury has not caused includes most conditions that affect joints, like –

• Ankle/foot arthritis.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Lupus.
• High arches or flat feet.
• Certain infections, to name a few.

Treating Ankle Pain

While it may seem obvious, the first order of business is to avoid playing sports or doing any intense physical activity likely to add ankle stress until your healthcare provider lets you know the activity or movement is safe. Consider the RICE method as soon as the pain or discomfort begins -

• Rest: Avoid activities, and don’t overuse your ankle.
• Ice: Apply a cold compress for ¼ hour several times a day.
• Compression: Swelling in the ankle can be managed by wrapping your ankle in an elastic bandage.
• Elevation: Keep your ankle above heart level as often as you can.

Podiatric Techniques to Treat Ankle Pain

It is important to see a healthcare provider if the pain/discomfort lasts more than a few days or it doesn’t get better after the above-noted at-home treatments. In addition to OTC medicine (i.e., ibuprofen or naproxen), a podiatrist may prescribe prescription meds to help manage inflammation in the ankle. Other options include –

• Prescription orthotics that help support your foot and ankle. 
• Immobilization.
• Physical therapy.
• Removal of fluid causing the ankle to swell.

When more conservative treatments do not bring about the desired results, ankle surgery is a viable solution.

Contact a Leading Atlanta, GA Podiatrist Near You Today

Visit a healthcare provider if you have persistent ankle pain or if the pain is so intense that you are forced to alter a daily routine or avoid typical activities. A podiatrist has the skills and tools to provide a necessary diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan to improve your ankle health. Contact Dr.Morse, Dr. Noonan, Dr.Skov, or a member of the Northside Podiatry staff at (404) 843-0090 or online.