What’s ankle pain?
The ankle is a complex joint consisting of bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles, so there are lots of potential points for pain to originate. Demands on the joint include both carrying the entire weight of the body and facilitating movement. Pain may originate on either side of the ankle or along the Achilles tendon at the back. Ankle sprains produce pain that feels like it originates inside the ankle as well. While many cases of ankle sprains resolve themselves, there are times when medical intervention speeds healing.
What causes ankle pain?
Ankle pain stems from damage or inflammation to the tendons, ligaments, or bones in and around the ankle. The most common causes of ankle pain include:
- Arthritis: Inflammation in the ankle joint and its various tissue. Arthritic problems include rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, gout and pseudogout, psoriatic, reactive, and septic arthritis.
- Fractures: Ranging from hairline to compound breaks in the bone, fractures can be mild or severe.
- Bursitis: This refers to inflammation of the cushioning sacs located within the ankle.
- Sprains: Sprains occur when the ligament is twisted or pulled suddenly, causing prolonged pain.
- Achilles tendon issues: The Achilles tendon, which connects to calf muscle to heel, may experience tears or ruptures.
Who gets ankle pain?
Though anyone can have ankle pain, it’s common in older adults, particularly those developing arthritis in joints as they age. Athletes are also prone to ankle pain, as their activities push their bodies to and past their limits, sometimes resulting in injuries, sprains, and hairline fractures. People with abnormal gaits or alignment problems in knees, legs, feet, or hips may also experience ankle pain. Further, ankle pain could result from inactivity. When you're not physically active, muscles become weak and you’re more prone to inflammation and injury. This is a serious cycle, since the pain prevents increased activity.
How is ankle pain treated?
Ankle pain is treated by its cause. Once diagnosed, Dr. Shabazz recommends a course of treatment. Treatment may involve anti-inflammatories, corticosteroid injections, braces, splints, or casts. Additional muscle-strengthening activities, physical therapy, or other treatments may be suggested for long-term wellness.
