Are You Suffering from Ankle Pain?

Are You Suffering from Ankle Pain?

It isn’t always easy to figure out what’s causing your ankle pain. A podiatrist can help.

If you are noticing ankle pain at any point in time or after an accident it’s important that you don’t ignore it. While ankle pain is often the result of sprain it can also be caused by instability, tendonitis, a fracture or arthritis, to name a few. Of course, if ankle pain is severe, persistent or affecting your ability to move around then it’s time to turn to our Wesley Chapel, FL, podiatrists Drs. George and Kathy Tjamaloukas.

Signs of a Sprain

Ankle sprains are one the most common sports injury; therefore, if you experience ankle pain, swelling, bruising or other problems after a fall or tackle on the field then you could be dealing with a sprained ankle. While mild cases can often be treated with the traditional RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) method, it’s important that you see your Wesley Chapel, FL, podiatrist if symptoms don’t respond to at-home care or are severe.

While sprains affect the ligament and strains affect the muscles, it isn’t always easy to tell the difference between a sprain and a strain. The RICE method is almost all that’s needed to treat a strain while a sprain will often require additional care.

Signs of a Fracture

If you are dealing with a fractured ankle it’s important that you seek immediate medical attention. After an accident or injury, here are some telltale signs of a fractured ankle,

  • Immediate and intense throbbing pain
  • Pain that gets worse when moving the ankle
  • Bruising
  • Tenderness to the touch
  • A visible deformity
  • Swelling

If you suspect that you or your child has fractured their ankle bring them in right away for care. Along with at-home care, your doctor may recommend splinting or bracing the ankle, or even using crutches to take the weight off the affected foot while it heals. Severe fractures may require surgery.

Signs of Arthritis

It’s easy to determine the cause of your ankle pain if you experienced an accident, but it’s a little harder to pinpoint if you aren’t sure why you are dealing with pain. Arthritis is a chronic condition that leads to joint pain, and it often affects the joints in the ankle and foot. Along with joint pain, it’s also common to experience inflammation and stiffness. There are many different types of arthritis so it’s important to see your podiatrist for a diagnosis.

If pain persists it’s important not to ignore your condition. Call Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Center in Wesley Chapel, FL, today at (813) 909-0865 to schedule an appointment.