There are several reasons why people have ankle pain, and one of them may be arthritis. Arthritis can be a debilitating condition that can cause severe ankle pain and discomfort, and it may be difficult to move the foot. The ankles may become swollen and stiff, and wearing shoes could become challenging. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, and this may cause wear and tear on the ankle joints. The condition known as lupus can cause a considerable amount of swelling in the ankles and may even turn them blue from becoming cold. One of the first things that is noticeable with reactive arthritis can be an inflamed Achilles tendon, which is in the back of the lower leg. If you have ankle pain for any reason, it is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is as well as offer you the correct treatment options.
Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Michael Tomey, DPM from Cary Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 tendinitis
- 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 office located in Cary, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
