What causes ankle pain?
Your feet and ankles play a key role in many sports, like soccer and running, as well as everyday activities like walking and climbing stairs. You can twist your ankle or roll your foot unexpectedly while walking on an uneven surface or falling down.
Dr. Melander diagnoses and treats many conditions that cause ankle pain, including:
Sprained ankle
A sprain happens when one of the ligaments in your ankle stretches too far and tears. A mild sprain involves slight stretching and tearing, while a severe sprain causes the ligament to tear in two separate pieces.
Achilles tendinitis
The Achilles tendon feels like a thick cord at the back of your ankle. Achilles tendinitis happens when this tendon becomes irritated and inflamed. This condition is common in runners and active middle-aged people.
Fractures
A fracture is a broken bone. Ankle fractures may have similar symptoms as ankle sprains, like swelling, bruising, and pain, but they require different treatment. This is one of many reasons it’s important to see an expert like Dr. Melander for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a long-term condition that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in your joints. Many forms of arthritis affect the ankle, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.
How is ankle pain diagnosed?
Dr. Melander carefully examines your foot and ankle, reviews your medical history, and reviews your X-rays. He asks how the pain started and whether certain activities make it worse.
Dr. Melander may order an onsite MRI if he thinks your injury is severe.
How is ankle pain treated?
After he confirms a diagnosis, Dr. Melander recommends the best course of treatment for your specific cause of ankle pain.
Depending on the type and severity of your condition, treatment for ankle pain may include:
- Physical therapy
- Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Immobilization in a cast or brace
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Assistive devices like crutches
- Orthobiologics like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
If your ankle pain is severe or doesn’t resolve with conservative treatment, surgery may be necessary. Dr. Melander uses minimally invasive surgical techniques like arthroscopy whenever possible.
For expert care of ankle pain, call Dr. Melander’s office or schedule an appointment online today.
