Ankle Pain Specialist

What could be causing my ankle pain?

While comprising a relatively small area of your body, your ankles perform numerous tasks each and every day. Considering the fact that your ankles help support and stabilize your body weight and facilitate movement, it’s a wonder ankle pain isn’t even more common than it is. 

Many things could be to blame for your ankle pain. Potential causes include:

• Arthritis
• Tendonitis
• Sprains
• Fractures
• Bursitis
• Gout
• Infections
• Flatfoot
  
  

Determining the cause of your ankle pain is the first step in working out a customized treatment plan. 

When should I see a professional for ankle pain?

Occasional sore ankles are usually nothing to be concerned about, and minor sprains and strains often heal on their own. If you injure your ankle, elevate and rest the area as much as possible for a couple of days and use ice to reduce swelling. 

If your pain is significant or doesn’t ease after a few days of self-care, it may be time to come in for a diagnostic exam. Left untreated, many ankle conditions can worsen, eventually complicating the treatment path. 

It’s also important to note that ankle pain can prevent you from enjoying a healthy and active lifestyle. This can cause a cascade of negative health issues, so never assume that ankle pain is unavoidable or just a natural part of growing older. 

What treatments can help with ankle pain?

Once Dr. Abdel-Qader determines the cause of your ankle pain, he discusses all available treatment options with you. There are many ways to treat ankle pain, and your path may include multiple approaches. 

Medications might play a role in your treatment plan. Some drugs work to reduce pain, while others address swelling in the ankle area. 

You may need to wear custom orthotics in your shoes. These devices provide additional support for your foot and ankle, stabilizing the area and helping prevent additional injury. 

Steroid injections are sometimes used to reduce inflammation in the ankle. These shots can also provide pain relief, although the effects are temporary. 

If your ankles have excess fluid, joint aspiration can help. This approach uses a needle to remove fluid from the ankle joint, taking pressure off of joint components. 

In some cases, surgery is the best way to address ankle pain. Arthroscopic procedures use incredibly slim surgical tools and small incisions to access the ankle and repair joint damage. 

If you’d like to learn more about options for treating ankle pain, call the office today to book a consultation. Online scheduling is also an option.