Ankle Pain

Ankle pain, whether it results from a strain, fracture, or chronic condition, can make walking or even standing impossible. Often, ankle pain worsens without treatment, so you should consult a podiatrist as soon as you notice a problem. Stephanie Parks, DPM, Justin Ward, DPM, and the team at Bosque Foot and Ankle offer expert diagnosis and treatment for ankle pain at their office in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Call Bosque Foot and Ankle to schedule an ankle pain evaluation, or request one online today. 

What causes ankle pain?

Your ankles have a heavy workload. They support your body weight and allow you to move your feet up and down and side to side. You put constant stress on your ankles, so ankle injuries and ankle pain are very common.

The most common cause of ankle pain is a sprained ankle. Sprains result when you twist your ankle unnaturally, stretching or tearing the ligaments. They’re a common sports injury and may also result from an accidental fall.

Other conditions that can cause ankle pain include:

• Achilles tendinitis
• Fractures, including stress fractures
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD)
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Bursitis (joint inflammation)

Ankle pain often accompanies bruising and swelling. If the pain is moderate or severe, you may have difficulty bearing weight on your foot. Ankle pain often worsens without treatment, so you should schedule an appointment at Bosque Foot and Ankle as soon as possible after your pain begins or you sustain an injury.

What’s the process for diagnosing the source of ankle pain?

Your podiatrist at Bosque Foot and Ankle performs a thorough examination to determine if your ankle pain is the result of an injury or other condition. They start by asking about your symptoms, including when you first noticed the pain, whether you recently experienced an accident, and whether your pain worsens with physical activity. They also inspect your ankle to evaluate swelling, tenderness, and other symptoms.

An imaging test, such as an X-ray or MRI, may be necessary to determine if you have a sprain or fracture. This also allows your podiatrist to precisely locate your injury. Your podiatrist may also take fluid from your ankle to test for an infection or underlying condition, such as arthritis. 

What determines the best treatment for ankle pain?

Treatment for ankle pain depends on what’s causing it. If you have an ankle injury, it’s important to support and stabilize your ankle, whether through bracing, compression, or custom orthotic inserts. To manage your pain, your provider may recommend over-the-counter medication or corticosteroid injections.

To give your ankle a chance to heal, you need to stay off your foot as much as possible. Depending on the severity of your injury, your podiatrist may recommend using crutches or a walking boot. At home, you should follow the RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) protocol. 

More severe ankle injuries may require a procedure to fix damage to your tendons, ligaments, or bones. 

If your ankle pain results from a chronic condition, such as arthritis, your podiatrist helps you manage the pain and inflammation. Your doctor may also prescribe medication specifically to control the condition.

To get treated for ankle pain, schedule an appointment at Bosque Foot and Ankle by calling the office or requesting one online today.