Ankle Pain

What causes ankle pain?

Some of the most common causes of ankle pain include:  

• Broken bones - tibia, fibula, or talus fractures
• Achilles tendon injuries - strains or tears
• Ligament injuries - inversion (inner ankle) or eversion (outer ankle) sprains
• Gout - inflammatory arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis - autoimmune and inflammatory arthritis
• Osteoarthritis - degenerative arthritis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome  - posterior tibial nerve compression
• Bursitis - inflammation within the bursae that pad the ankle joint
• Infection - tissue or bone infections like cellulitis or osteomyelitis
• Flatfoot - flatfoot can cause inward-turning ankles and pain

Ankle pain can start suddenly with an injury, but if you have a degenerative condition like osteoarthritis or a deformity like a flatfoot, the pain typically increases slowly over time.

When do I need treatment for ankle pain?

Call Volusia County Podiatry right away if you have severe ankle pain, significant swelling, or signs of infection like warmth and redness around the ankle joint. 

If you have mild-to-moderate ankle pain that doesn't improve after 2-5 days of rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), book an appointment with Dr. Duffus as soon as you can.

How is ankle pain diagnosed?

At Volusia County Podiatry, Dr. Duffus gently examines your ankle, moving it around to appraise your joint mobility and stability. She asks about your symptoms and any treatments you've tried to ease the pain. 

In most cases, Dr. Duffus takes X-rays to examine the ankle bones more closely and check for fractures. For example, with soft tissue injuries such as high ankle sprains, Dr. Duffus may request an MRI test to view the area in more detail. 

How is ankle pain treated?

Ankle pain treatment can vary widely based on your specific condition and level of pain. Dr. Duffus treats the root cause of your pain by restoring alignment and relieving tension. Your treatment may include:

• Icing
• Ankle brace or splint 
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Joint aspiration to remove fluid buildup
• Corticosteroid injections
• Custom orthotics

You might need ankle surgery if you have severe pain due to a displaced fracture, tendon rupture, complete ligament tear, or other complex ankle injuries.  

With both nonsurgical and surgical treatment, physical therapy helps you regain ankle stability, strength, and movement. 

At Volusia County Podiatry, Dr. Duffus provides relief for ankle pain caused by injury, degenerative conditions, and deformities. Call the office or book an appointment online now.