When you flex your foot and the front of your ankle hurts, it may be the result of scar tissue that has built up following a previous injury. This is not unusual after twisting or spraining an ankle, because the torn ligament forms a large mass while healing and then becomes inflamed. That tissue can get caught between the leg (tibial and fibula) and ankle bones, a condition known as anterolateral impingement (ALI), which is common in the aftermath of a high ankle sprain and can be quite painful. Treatment options include icing the ankle, ceasing any activity that aggravates the condition, and wearing a brace to help restrict movement. If those measures fail to relieve the symptoms, however, arthroscopic surgery may be the only recourse. A consultation with a podiatrist is suggested to determine the cause and severity of the condition, and to determine the proper treatment for you.
Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
- Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
- Ankle sprains
- Broken ankles
- Achilles tendinitis
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Stress fractures
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Plantar fasciitis
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
