If left untreated, ankle pain may only get worse and can lead to other complications such as ankle instability or degenerative arthritis. Before living another day with ankle pain, see how Board certified foot and rear foot surgeon Michael Howell, DPM, and his team can help. They offer comprehensive diagnostic and treatment solutions for ankle pain in their Coldwater, Michigan, office. Book your ankle pain evaluation by calling the office directly.
Why do I have ankle pain?
Ankle pain can be a result of chronic conditions, such as arthritis, or because of trauma, including sports injuries. In some cases, ankle pain can develop gradually because of a deformity or congenital disability. You may have ankle pain due to:
- Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout
- Post-traumatic arthritis
- Bone fractures
- Achilles tendonitis
- Sprains or strains
- Flat feet
- Bursitis
In some cases, ankle pain can occur because you’ve had a previous injury that didn’t heal correctly. This can lead to multiple complications, one of which includes chronic lateral ankle instability, meaning you have weakened ankles that can continue to function abnormally and cause pain.
What are the symptoms of ankle pain?
When you have ankle pain, you may experience discomfort both while at rest or while exercising, walking, or other activities that require being on your feet. In many cases, it’s common to feel continuous throbbing that bothers you throughout the day and may persist even at rest. Depending on the cause of your ankle pain, it’s common to experience:
- Swelling or inflammation
- Stiffness
- Tenderness or warmth
- Difficulty bearing weight on the ankle
- Instability — the feeling that your ankle is going to give out
Dr. Howell and his team in Coldwater, MI thoroughly diagnose you and gather any essential tests, such as digital X-rays, MRI or others, to design your treatment plan.
How is ankle pain treated?
To prevent future injury and ankle instability, as well as to minimize your current pain and inflammation, Dr. Howell might combine several conservative ankle therapies before recommending surgery. You may benefit from:
- Physical therapy
- Custom prescription orthotics
- Bracing, splinting, or casting
- Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT)
- Corticosteroid injections
While many ankle pain sufferers get relief and find that their ankles become stronger after a course of conservative therapies, in some cases, conservative management fails and they may need ankle surgery
Dr. Howell can use minimally invasive measures to repair broken bones, as well as torn or damaged connective tissues. He and his team support you before and after surgery, so you can feel confident about having a full recovery.
Get relief from ankle pain right away by starting treatment with Dr. Michael Howell, DPM. Schedule your exam today by calling our office.