A common form of ankle pain is called posterior tibial tendonitis. This tendon helps to stabilize the foot and is approximately the thickness of a pencil. It contributes to supporting the foot and maintaining the arch. The common symptoms that are associated with this condition are sharp pains along the inner part of the ankle, stiffness, and the ankle can be sore when touched. People who enjoy running may realize it is almost impossible to pursue, and care is often sought so running can be resumed. Research has shown there are four stages of this type of ankle pain. Tendon damage and inflammation are typical in stage one, and the foot retains its normal shape. In stage two, the arch can flatten, and heel raises will be difficult to perform. The tendon can partially or fully rupture in stages three and four, and this may lead to permanent deformities in the foot and ankle. The recovery process can start with possibly using orthotics in the beginning stages, and stages three and four may require surgery. If you have endured this type of injury, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.
Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
- Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
- Ankle sprains
- Broken ankles
- Achilles tendonitis
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Stress fractures
- Bursitis
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Plantar fasciitis
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Duryea and Bangor, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
