Ankle Pain Specialist

What are the symptoms of ankle pain?

Ankle pain can manifest in many different ways, and no two patients will have the exact same set of symptoms. For some, ankle pain is impossible to ignore and is characterized by searing and immediate pain. This can occur directly after an injury or can happen seemingly out of the blue. Other patients report feelings of numbness or tingling in their ankles or experience stiffness in the ankle joint. For many people, ankle problems are characterized by decreased mobility, because of inability to place weight on the joint or excessive swelling of the ankles.

What are the causes of ankle pain?

Causes can vary, but an injury is certainly one of the most common causes, as well as an issue that is simple to diagnose. Patients who experience an injury to their ankle and have pain or swelling that is not relieved by over-the-counter medications and application of ice should make an appointment with their podiatrist. Aside from injury, various forms of arthritis can cause ankle pain. Among the most common are osteoarthritis, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis.

When does ankle pain merit an office visit?

Any time that ankle pain persists after an injury, patients should call Artisan Podiatry to schedule an appointment. Pain relief methods such as taking an anti-inflammatory medication, icing the area, elevating the foot- and applying compression bandages can be used to try to seek relief at home. However, if those attempts fail, it is important to come in for an evaluation. Postponing care can aggravate the injury and potentially lead to additional problems in the ankle and foot. In the case of ankle pain that is not related to an injury, patients should seek treatment when the condition begins to have a negative impact on their normal daily function. There are treatment options that can restore patients to optimal health and allow them to return to the activities that they enjoy.