Ankle pain can limit your mobility making it difficult to perform your daily activities without discomfort. The pain can interfere with your sleeping patterns, affecting your quality of life, whether it is due to an injury, inflammation, or a chronic condition. The severity of ankle pain can vary from mild discomfort you can manage with rest and pain relief medication to a debilitating condition requiring medical attention. The Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center team can help if you are looking for relief from persistent ankle pain. The following are factors that contribute to ankle pain:
Fractures
Fractures often result from falls, twists, or blows to the ankle. When a fracture occurs, you may experience immediate pain, swelling, and bruising around the injured area. In some cases, your ankle may become deformed or misaligned. Fractures can either be mild or severe, and their severity will depend on the location and extent of the fracture.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a chronic disorder that causes joint inflammation, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. The ankle joint is particularly susceptible to arthritis, especially if you are active and put a lot of stress on your ankles. It can develop due to natural joint wear and tear or injuries or infections. As the condition deteriorates, it can lead to severe pain, limited range of motion, and difficulty walking. Although there is no precise cure for this disorder, you can manage your symptoms using medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes koiusa.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis occurs when the tendons in your ankle become inflamed or irritated. They are thick, fibrous bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones and facilitate movement in your ankle. When you subject the tendons in your ankle to repetitive stress, they can become inflamed and cause pain and swelling. The symptoms of this disorder typically include pain and tenderness in the affected area, particularly when walking or engaging in physical activity. The pain may be dull or sharp.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition that compresses the nerves that run through the tarsal tunnel. This compression can occur due to injury, inflammation, or overuse, leading to numbness, tingling, burning, and shooting pain in your ankle and foot. The tarsal tunnel houses several important nerves, including the posterior tibial nerve, responsible for controlling movement and sensation in the foot and ankle. When this nerve or other nerves in the tarsal tunnel become compressed, it can cause pain and discomfort that can worsen with activity or prolonged standing.
Sprains
A sprain occurs when the ligaments that hold your ankle joint together stretch or tear due to excessive force or twisting. This injury can happen during athletic activities or simple movements like walking on uneven surfaces or wearing improper shoes. The symptoms of this injury can vary from mild pain and swelling to severe instability and difficulty walking. In some cases, you may experience bruising and tenderness around your ankle. Your treatment plan will depend on the severity of the sprain, which can range from rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) to physical therapy, immobilization, or even surgery detectmind.
For more information about the causes of ankle pain, call the practice or book an appointment online.
