The majority of people who suffer ankle sprains don’t seek treatment, and in many cases that is appropriate, say two orthopaedic surgeons who specialize in foot-and-ankle injuries.
But some sprains warrant professional attention, including physical therapy Podiatrist Dallas, Tx. In the most severe cases with persistent symptoms, surgery may be necessary.
In those cases, ignoring the problem or trying to fight through the pain can aggravate the injury and prolong the recovery period.
Various Causes of Ankle Pain
Both ankle pain and ankle tendinitis can be caused by injuries such as sprains and strains from sports or diseases and conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout.
Achilles tendon rupture
The Achilles tendon is a strong band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the calf muscle. The tendon can tear or rupture due to overstretching when running or exercising, or after a fall.
Taking corticosteroids or certain antibiotics, including fluoroquinolones such as Cipro, can also increase the likelihood that a person will experience a tendon rupture.
Ankle sprain or strain
Sprains and strains are both types of soft tissue damage. Both can cause significant pain and discomfort, depending on severity.
A sprain is an overstretching or tearing of a ligament, which is a band of tough tissue that joins bones together. Sprains can range from partial to complete.
Ankle sprains Podiatrist Dallas, Tx are one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries. Sprains are injuries to the ligaments of the ankle, causing them to partially or completely tear as a result of sudden stretching.
A sprain can occur on either or both of the inner and outer portions of the ankle joint. Ankle sprains more commonly happen when there is a pre-existing muscle weakness in the ankle area or a history of previous ankle injuries.
These types of injury usually occur during physical activity, such as playing a sport or running.
Ankle fracture
An ankle fracture is a break of one or more of the bones in the ankle, such as the tibia or fibula. The fracture can be one clean break, or it can break the bone into smaller pieces.
Physical therapy programs are part of the rehabilitation process, incorporating strengthening exercises of the lower leg muscles. Broken ankles (fractures) can accompany ankle sprains or occur without sprains.
Gout
Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs due to a build-up of uric acid crystals in the body. Gout commonly affects the foot and ankle, especially a person’s big toe.
People with a family history of gout are more likely to have the condition. Other conditions that increase the risk of gout include diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure. Taking medicines such as diuretics or niacin can also increase the risk.
Osteoarthritis
There is cartilage that covers the bones where they meet as a way to cushion the area. Over time and with wear and tear, this cushion can break down and the bones begin to rub against one another. As this happens, there can be a great deal of pain, loss of motion, and stiffness. In more extreme cases, surgery may be recommended.
Infection
When you are having ankle pain in conjunction with irritability, fever, and sickness, you might have an infection going on. You will sometimes notice that the ankle will be warm to the touch, red, and swollen.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Even though the immune system works to fight off germs, there can be times when it will attack the joints on accident. Known as rheumatoid arthritis, this is a condition that can impact the same joint on each side of the body. For example, most patients will have pain, stiffness, and swelling that happens in both of the ankles.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis also referred to as tendonitis is inflammation of the tendon. Tendinitis of the ankle can involve the Achilles tendon, the posterior tibial tendon, or the peroneal tendon. All forms of tendinitis cause pain, swelling, and tenderness in the tendon area involved. The onset may be rapid, such as with an athletic injury.
Athletic participation should be limited when the tendon is still inflamed, as there is a significant risk of rupturing or tearing the tendon, especially in the Achilles area, with continued athletic activity.
Achilles tendon rupture more frequently occurs in patients who have had previous Achilles tendon inflammation. When the Podiatrist Dallas, Tx makes Achilles tendon ruptures, it usually requires orthopedic surgical repair.
