A twisted ankle, or an ankle sprain, leads to overstretching or tearing of a ligament around the ankle. Ankle sprains make up 85% of ankle injuries. Such sprains usually occur from a sports injury, walking or running on uneven ground, or wearing high heels. Sprains can recur, so making sure to heal properly from a sprained ankle is important. If an ankle twists suddenly, it can force the foot outside its normal range of motion and place stress on the ligaments. When stretched beyond its normal limits, the ligament can start to tear. Torn ankle ligaments are most likely to occur in those under 30 years of age, regardless of gender. There will be mild to significant pain, swelling, and bruising depending on the severity of the sprain. The ability to walk will also be related to the grade of the sprain incurred. If you are having ankle pain after twisting your ankle, see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment options.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Michigan 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 tendonitis
• 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 Ferndale, and Milford, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.