Ankle Pain
Ankle pain from a sprain or other injury is something we all will likely have to deal with at some point in our lives – and often multiple times, at that!
But just because ankle problems are relatively common does not mean you shouldn’t pay them much mind. What could be considered even “mild” ankle trouble can lead to chronic pain and instability if it is not treated respectfully.
Never try to “push through” or outright ignore ankle pain. Contact us and we can help you find relief and recovery without risking further damage.
Types of Ankle Injuries
The ankle is a complex joint. It has to be, in order to both support your foundation and allow such wide range of motion. So when a problem or injury does occur, it can affect many things.
Following are several of the more common problems we tend to see. Please note this is not an exhaustive list.
Ankle Sprains
Arguably the most common source of ankle pain, a sprain is an injury to one or more of the ligaments that surround a joint and help keep it stabilized. Damage to a ligament occurs when it becomes strained and overstretched, often due to a sharp twist or force. This can happen during the heated play of sports, or from simply stepping off a curb the wrong way.
Symptoms of an ankle sprain frequently include:
- Pain and tenderness (especially when bearing weight on the affected ankle)
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Instability (feeling your ankle may “give out”)
- Reduced range of motion
Ankle Fracture
An ankle fracture is a break in one or more of the bones that make up the ankle: the tibia, the fibula, and the talus.
Fractures can range in severity. A small break in one bone might not keep you from walking, while a more severe break or breaks in multiple bones will have a much greater impact on your comfort and mobility.
It can occasionally be difficult to tell the difference between a fracture or a sprain in the ankle. Symptoms can often be similar, although sometimes a fracture will lead to dislocation of the joint and a misshapen appearance in the foot (but not always).
It’s always very important to know what problem we are dealing with! Any uncertainties over whether an ankle injury is a fracture or a sprain should always be addressed professionally to ensure you’re receiving the right type of treatment.
Ankle Strain
Similar to a sprain, strains refer to damage that muscles and/or tendons receive from being overstretched.
In the ankle, the tendons that are most commonly strained are the peroneal tendons, which run along the outside of the ankle joint. These strains are common in runners and other athletes whose feet tend to repetitively roll outward a lot, forcing the tendons to rub against bone.
Strain to the peroneal tendons can cause peroneal tendinitis. Just like with Achilles tendinitis, a treatment plan will include not only recovery, but also addressing the factors that led to the strain in the first place.
Ankle Arthritis
As with any joint in the body, the ankle is susceptible to arthritis – whether from the “wear and tear” of osteoarthritis, the autoimmune attacks of rheumatoid arthritis, or other forms of this condition.
We help patients manage arthritis via conservative means whenever possible, but may also recommend surgery if other forms of relief are not effective.
Recover Now, and Prevent Long-Term Consequences in the Future
Why do we pay such mind to ankle problems? Because any weakness that develops from sprains, strains, and other injuries can snowball over time.
If even a mild sprain doesn’t heal properly, for example, it can cause some instability in the joint. This increases your chances of further damage in the future, which only creates more instability. It can keep continuing downhill from there.
Our goal will always be to see patients back to comfort and action as best as possible, but without risking complications. We have many years of experience in treating a wide range of ankle conditions, using both traditional methods and advanced techniques such as MLS laser therapy to accelerate healing.
If you have had ankle pain or trouble for more than a couple of days, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We’ll always be happy to provide advice and treatment that meets your personal needs.
Call us at (313) 582-6222 to schedule an appointment, or fill out our online contact form if you prefer to contact us electronically instead.
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