Ankle pain is common and it often hinders the ability to complete daily activities. It can throw a wrench in trying to walk from point A to point B. Performing specific stretches may help to ease the pain. It is beneficial to warm up the muscles before stretching them. This can be done by cycling, slowly walking, or by using an elliptical. An effective stretch can be done while sitting in a chair with your legs crossed. When the ankle is over the opposite knee, rotate the ankle clockwise. After repeating on the other leg, it is time for the next stretch. While the ankle is in the same position, it can feel good to gently pull the ankle toward you, and then repeat on the other leg. The heels and ankles can become stronger when heel and toe raises are practiced. This is done by sitting in the same chair with both feet on the ground, followed by lifting the toes first, then the heels. There are several additional stretches that can help to relieve ankle pain. If you would like more information about this, please consult with a podiatrist.
Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from William Street Podiatry. Our doctors 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
- 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 one of our offices located in William Street in New York, NY, Forest Hills, NY, and Broadway in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
