Many people will experience some type of ankle pain at some point in their lives. If you have fallen and have injured the ligaments, you may have what is referred to as an ankle sprain. These ligaments aid in connecting the leg bones to the foot and may often become injured as a result of a fall that has occurred. There may be noticeable symptoms appearing, which may include bruising, the inability to walk on the ankle, pain and discomfort, or swelling. To determine if the ankle is sprained or broken, a proper diagnosis is performed, which will typically include having an X-ray taken. If the injury appears to be severe, an MRI may be taken, which may be helpful in observing detailed images of the ankle. There are several ways to treat an ankle sprain, and it is suggested to speak with a podiatrist who can properly guide you toward choosing the correct treatment option.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Kevin F. Gallagher from Gallagher Podiatry. Our doctor 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
• 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 one of our offices located in McMurray and Hickory, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.