What are common injuries that can cause ankle pain?
Your ankle joint is made up of bones, ligaments, and tendons, which can become damaged or injured. Common ankle injuries include:
- Ankle and foot fractures
- Ankle instability
- Ankle sprains and strains
- Arthritis of the foot and ankle
- Sports injuries
- Tendonitis
- Tendon and ligament tears
- Trauma injuries
- Wounds
No matter what type of injury you have, Dr. McConn and his team provide personalized treatment plans that address your specific needs.
What are the symptoms of an ankle injury?
The symptoms you experience may vary depending on the nature and severity of your injury. However, most ankle injuries involve these common symptoms:
- Bruising
- Difficulty walking or bearing weight
- Pain ranging from mild to severe
- Redness and swelling
- Restricted mobility
- Stiffness
- Weakness or instability
If you experience a popping sound or sensation at the time of injury, seek medical care immediately.
When should I see a physician for ankle pain?
Some ankle injuries improve with home care, but if you have pain or other ankle injury symptoms that persist despite treatment, you should schedule an appointment with Dr. McConn and his team.
Additionally, you should see Dr. McConn any time pain is severe enough to interfere with your ability to walk or perform regular activities.
How do you diagnose and treat ankle pain?
First, Dr. McConn and his team perform a physical exam and a thorough review of your medical history. Sometimes, the cause of your injury is obvious, such as after a fall. Other times, ankle injuries occur gradually due to repetitive motions over an extended time.
To determine the type and extent of your injury, he may recommend an X-ray to check for abnormalities in your ankle. Then, Dr. McConn discusses the best treatment for your particular ankle injury.
Depending on your needs, athletic condition, and recovery goals, treatment may include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen
- Immobilization with a cam walker boot
- Physical therapy
- Rest from activities that caused the injury
If your condition is severe or doesn’t improve with conservative treatment, Dr. McConn may recommend surgery, like an ankle stabilization for recurrent sprains, to repair your injured ankle. He specializes in using the latest minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques to carry out all inside repairs of your ligaments without the need for large incisions.
For expert care for ankle pain, call Tim McConn, DPM, or book an appointment online today.
