Ankle Pain Doctors
The ankle joint consists of many bones, muscles, connective tissues and cartilage. Ankle injuries or disease can target any of these working pieces, causing pain. With Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates, we can help you diagnose and treat your ankle pain.
Causes of Ankle Pain
Ankle pain can have several causes, ranging from acute to chronic. These include the following:
- Sprains: An ankle sprain is an injury of one or more ligaments between ankle bones. This can occur when walking on an uneven surface, falling or rolling your ankle in a sport activity. Sprains mainly occur outside the ankle, and symptoms include throbbing, swelling, bruising and weakness in the joint.
- Tendonitis: When the tendons — which attach muscle to bone — become inflamed or irritated, this is called tendonitis. Three main forms of tendonitis can occur in the ankle, including peroneal, posterior tibial and Achilles.
- Arthritis: Arthritis in the ankle is characterized by three primary forms. Osteoarthritis is the wear and tear of the cartilage in the ankle joint, causing bones to rub against each other. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system unknowingly attacks healthy cells in your body’s joints. Post-traumatic arthritis develops in the ankle following an ankle-related injury. In rarer cases, gout can develop due to uric acid crystal formation in the ankle joint.
- Fractures: Ankle fractures can occur in one or more of the bones that attach to the ankle joint, including the tibia, fibula or talus. You can distinguish a fracture from a sprain from the immediate and severe sharp pain, bruising, swelling and inability to put weight on the ankle.
When to See a Doctor for Ankle Pain
When first experiencing ankle pain from a mild injury, it is usually safe to try home remedies for a while. This can include the RICE method — rest, ice, compression and elevation — and taking over-the-counter pain medications to ease pain and aid healing.
If the pain’s intensity persists after following these home remedies for a week or so, consider seeking medical attention. You must reach out if you:
- Have an open wound or notice a severe deformity
- Have severe pain and swelling
- Have signs of an infection — redness, warmth and a fever greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit
- Cannot put weight on your foot
Available Treatments at Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates
At Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates, several treatments for ankle pain are available to fit your specific need. Explore the following categories:
- Physical therapy: If your pain is due to arthritis or a minor injury, physical therapy can enhance your mobility and get you back to doing the things you love.
- Orthotics: Custom inserts for your shoes — or orthotics — can help your ankle pain by supporting your arch when you walk, stand and run.
- Surgery: If conservative treatments aren’t working and your condition worsens, we may recommend surgery. Our office has a highly trained team of surgeons to provide safe and efficient surgical care.
Ankle Pain Care With Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates
Ankle pain can interfere with your quality of life. Let the healthcare professionals help. With our highly trained, board-certified podiatrists, Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates will do what we can to help get you back on your feet. Contact us today at a clinic near you to get started. We serve patients in Centralia, Lacey, Olympia, Tacoma, and Tumwater.
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An affiliate of FASA Family Wellness PLLC
An affiliate of FASA Family Wellness PLLC