Ankle sprains and injuries are common causes of ankle pain, but when can you care for them at home versus seeking expert medical treatment?
Your ankles are a crucial aspect of your ability to run, walk, and perform activities of daily living, so when pain strikes, you need to be smart about seeking help.
Dr. Marque A. Allen is an expert foot and ankle specialist at the Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio.
Dr. Allen and his team provide state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and a quick evaluation when living with ankle pain. He then offers customized care and treatments to get you back on your feet.
Ankle pain can stem from various problems ranging from severe injuries to chronic inflammation and deterioration in your joint.
When you're living with ankle pain, it may come on suddenly and last for days on end, or it may develop over several weeks, worsening with every day. Understanding what's causing your pain is crucial to know when to seek expert help.
Injuries are one of the most common causes of ankle pain and may come from tripping, falling, or playing sports. A few of the other common causes of ankle pain include the following conditions:
Ankle pain is widespread, especially when you're over 65 or involved in sports requiring you to jump or make sudden changes in direction. Obesity is also hard on your ankle joints, leading to osteoarthritis and chronic wear and tear.
Ankle pain is one of the significant signs of a problem in your ankle. It can be intense and sharp or throb and ache sporadically throughout the day. In most cases, though, ankle pain is accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
Inflammation is your body's response to damage or injury, resulting in moderate to severe swelling around the joint. After an injury, it's common to have swelling in your ankle. Osteoarthritis also leads to ankle swelling.
The swelling around your ankle joint causes your joint to become stiff, especially after an injury. Stiffness is typically worse after long periods of inactivity or first thing in the morning, especially with arthritis.
Pain, stiffness, and swelling all lead to decreased range of motion in your ankle. Even with home care, these factors can mean difficulty with movement and walking.
If one or more of the tendons in your ankle is weak or injured, you can experience instability in the joint. Ankle instability also makes you more likely to suffer repeat ankle sprains or injuries.
Not all ankle pain requires you to seek medical attention right away. If your pain has come on from an injury and seems to improve with rest and home care, you might be okay.
However, if your pain is severe or interrupts your everyday activities, you must seek medical care immediately. Allowing your pain to continue may result in more damage and long-term complications in your joint.
It's also important to seek medical care if you suffer an injury to your ankle and are having trouble putting weight on it. You could have a fracture in your joint or a torn tendon, which won't get better without help.
Even if your pain is mild, you should seek medical care if it doesn't get better after several days of rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications. If your symptoms don't seem to improve, it indicates something more is happening in your joint.
Dr. Allen thoroughly evaluates your symptoms to determine what's going on with your ankle for customized treatments and a speedy recovery. He provides efficient therapies to reduce pain, improve functionality, and restore movement in your ankle.
If you're struggling with ankle pain, don't hesitate to call one of our conveniently located offices in Alamo Heights or San Antonio, Texas. You can also request an appointment with Dr. Allen on our website.
