Ankle pain can be more serious than a simple sprain, especially if it involves the Achilles tendon. This strong tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel and is essential for walking, running, and jumping. Injuries like tendonitis or a full rupture can result from overuse, sudden movements, or lack of proper stretching. Symptoms may include sharp pain at the back of the ankle, swelling, stiffness, or a popping sound at the time of injury. Beyond typical discomfort, you might notice difficulty pushing off the foot, a noticeable limp, or a gap in the tendon if it is torn. A podiatrist can perform a thorough exam and use imaging to diagnose the injury. They provide personalized treatment, including immobilization, targeted exercises, custom orthotics, and ,in severe cases, surgical repair. Early intervention is essential to prevent long-term weakness or re-injury. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Lawrence Fallat, DPM from Michigan. Our doctor 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 tendonitis
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Stress fractures
- Bursitis
- 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 Canton and Taylor, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
