Our podiatrists treat ankle pain in the areas of Brooklyn, NY 11229 and Astoria, NY 11103. Call our offices today: Brooklyn at (718) 891-2706; or Astoria at (718) 278-8020 if you are dealing with ankle pain.
Ankle pain is a common condition that can affect anyone, and there are many possible causes for it. Ankle pain may be the result of acute or chronic injuries, systemic health conditions, biomechanical issues, or lifestyle factors.
Common ankle injuries include strains, sprains, fractures, and Achilles tendinitis. People who are physically active and frequently participate in activities like running and jumping, which can put excess stress on the ankle, are often afflicted with ankle injuries.
Simple, everyday activities, such as walking or running on an uneven surface, have the possibility of causing serious harm to one’s ankle. That is, however, not to discount athletic injuries; in fact, half of all ankle sprains are inflicted during an athletic activity. The most common causes of ankle injuries include tripping or falling, landing awkwardly after jumping, a sudden impact such as a car crash, or twisting, rolling, and rotating of the ankle.
Ankle Injury Symptoms and Causes
Some signs that point to the potential of an ankle injury include pain towards the affected area, swelling, bruising, or an inability to walk or bear weight on the affected area. You may also notice an increase in the height of the arch of the inflicted foot. In order to understand why the injury occurred, a podiatrist will often question the patient about the events leading up to their ankle discomfort. An x-ray of the leg or foot may also be performed to discover what’s harming the ankle.
Various systemic health conditions can also cause ankle pain. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis both affect joints throughout the body, including the ankle joints, and can cause stiffness, soreness, and pain. Diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and poor circulation can lead to a loss of sensation in the lower limbs, wounds and infections, and painful leg cramps.
Biomechanical issues, such as having an abnormal gait due to flat feet or high arches, may cause foot and ankle pain. Lifestyle factors, like your diet and the types of shoes you wear, can also affect your ankle health. Those who are overweight or obese regularly put excess strain on their ankles, causing ankle pain. Wearing the wrong shoes may also lead to ankle instability and injury.
Ankle Pain Treatment
Depending on the condition behind your ankle pain, different treatments may be prescribed by your podiatrist. For ankle sprains, the first step in treatment involves rest, ice, elevation, and compression. Be sure to avoid placing pressure on the ankle, use an ice pack several times a day, and use a compression bandage and elevation to reduce swelling. Other more serious conditions may require the assistance of certain drugs and medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, or even cortisone injections.
If you find yourself dealing with ankle pain, a podiatrist can help diagnose and treat your condition.
