Ankle pain: Understanding causes and signs
Ankle pain is a common issue that affects many people, with various causes ranging from injuries to medical conditions. Here's a breakdown of the common causes, symptoms, and recommended treatments for ankle pain.
Ankle pain can stem from injuries such as sprains or fractures, tendon problems like Achilles tendonitis, arthritis, or nerve issues. Symptoms typically include pain, swelling, and instability.
Ankle sprains and strains, the most common injuries, usually occur from twisting or rolling the ankle inward. Symptoms include sudden pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. For minor injuries, first-line treatment involves the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), over-the-counter pain relievers, and supportive footwear.
Ankle fractures, caused by trauma or repetitive stress, result in broken bones in the ankle. Symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, and sometimes an inability to move the ankle properly. Severe fractures require professional assessment and treatment.
Arthritis, whether osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, can cause chronic pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty walking in the ankle joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that attacks joint linings, commonly affecting the feet and ankles.
Chronic ankle instability, often a result of repeated ankle sprains, can cause the ankle to feel unstable or weak.
Achilles tendonitis or tendinosis, inflammation or degeneration of the Achilles tendon, can cause pain and stiffness at the back of the ankle, especially with activity or after rest.
Tendon irritation or nerve compression can cause localized pain, tingling, or numbness around the ankle and foot.
Plantar fasciitis, though more related to the foot, can cause stabbing pain near the heel that worsens with first steps in the morning and after prolonged standing.
When experiencing an injury that limits the ability to move the foot and ankle, or when ankle pain symptoms worsen instead of improving, it is recommended to see a doctor. If ankle pain is affecting a person's daily activities, it is also advisable to seek professional help for diagnosis and treatment.
Doctors can diagnose the cause of ankle pain through physical examination, imaging studies, blood tests, skin or fluid samples, and other tests. Treatments for ankle pain depend upon the underlying cause. For example, prescription antibiotics may be necessary for ankle infections, while medications to control medical conditions like gout and rheumatoid arthritis may be required. Over-the-counter pain medication, rest, and exercise are often recommended for injuries.
Footwear interventions such as orthotics are clinically proven to help those with rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and other medical conditions. Proper footwear, with good arch support and heel cushioning, can prevent and relieve pain, especially for plantar fasciitis and Achilles issues.
In summary, ankle pain can have numerous causes, but early recognition of symptoms and prompt treatment can help manage the condition effectively. If you're experiencing ankle pain, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment.
- Numerous medical conditions can lead to ankle pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout.
- Ankle sprains and strains, often caused by twisting or rolling ankle inward, are common injuries that result in symptoms like sudden pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight.
- Chronic ankle instability, a frequent result of repeated ankle sprains, can cause the ankle to feel unstable or weak.
- Inflammation or degeneration of the Achilles tendon, known as Achilles tendonitis or tendinosis, can cause pain and stiffness at the back of the ankle during activity or rest.
- Tendon irritation or nerve compression can cause localized pain, tingling, or numbness around the ankle and foot.
- Plantar fasciitis, more related to the foot, can cause stabbing pain near the heel that worsens with first steps in the morning and after prolonged standing.
- Ankle fractures, caused by trauma or repetitive stress, require professional assessment and treatment due to symptoms like pain, swelling, stiffness, and an inability to move the ankle properly.
- Doctors may use physical examination, imaging studies, blood tests, skin or fluid samples, and other tests to diagnose the cause of ankle pain.
- Depending on the underlying cause, treatments for ankle pain can include over-the-counter pain medication, prescription antibiotics for infections, medications to control medical conditions like gout and rheumatoid arthritis, and rest and exercise for injuries.
- Footwear interventions, such as orthotics with good arch support and heel cushioning, are beneficial for managing ankle pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and other medical conditions.
- To effectively manage ankle pain, it's crucial to see a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment, especially when the pain limits daily activities or worsens instead of improving.
