There are many kinds of arthritis, and one of them could be a cause of your ankle pain. Osteoarthritis, the most common type, occurs when wear and tear on the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones causes the bones to rub against each other. People with osteoarthritis in their ankle may experience painful joints between the shin and ankle. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition, often causes joint pain in both ankles. Gout is another type of arthritis that can cause ankle pain because of a buildup of uric acid in the body. Gout patients often feel pain in the big toe as one of their first symptoms. Sudden intense pain that lasts for several hours and affects any of the joints, including ankles, can indicate a gout attack. These are not the only forms of arthritis that can lead to ankle pain. Understanding the specific type of arthritis affecting the ankle is important for developing an effective treatment plan. If you are experiencing persistent ankle pain, it is suggested you consult a podiatrist who can help identify the underlying cause of your pain, diagnose types of arthritis, and explore appropriate treatment plans.
Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from New England Foot and Ankle. 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 tendinitis
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Stress fractures
- 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 one of our offices located in Chelmsford and Newburyport, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
