Dealing with ankle pain? Here’s what it could be.

Pain is your body’s way of letting you know that something is wrong, and if you are dealing with ankle pain you better listen to what it is trying to tell you. If you find ankle pain to have taken its toll on your daily routine it’s important that you turn to Edgebrook, Chicago podiatrists Dr. Marc Feder, Dr. Jason Kalk and Dr. Jacob Richey. We can determine what’s causing your ankle pain and how to best treat it.

Here are the top three causes of ankle pain: 

1. Tendonitis: When the tendons of the feet and ankles become inflamed this leads to tendonitis. Most people have heard of Achilles tendonitis, which often occurs over time and is particularly common in runners and other athletes.

If you ignore your ankle pain you may find yourself dealing with pain that continues to radiate to the knees, hips, and even back. While minor forms of tendonitis will often go away with rest and conservative care, if you find that pain doesn’t go away within a couple of days it’s a good idea to consult your podiatrist.

2. Fracture: A fracture occurs when one or more bones in the ankle break. When this happens, the injury results in immediate (and quite possibly, intense) pain, swelling, and difficulty moving or putting weight on the injured ankle. If the pain and swelling persist for days, it’s quite possible that you could have a fracture.

Since it is possible for someone to confuse the symptoms of a fracture with something more minor like a sprain, it’s a good idea to get X-rays from a podiatrist. If you have a fractured ankle you may need to wear a cast or a protective boot while you heal.

3. Arthritis: If you are noticing widespread pain in the ankle rather than just pain in a very specific spot, this could be a sign of joint problems. If you also notice stiffness and pain with movement, you could be dealing with a chronic disease known as arthritis. Ankles and feet are common areas for arthritis to set in, and it’s important that you see a doctor right away for treatment, as this condition is progressive and can lead to permanent joint damage.

Should I see a podiatrist?

It may be easy to shrug off minor ankle pain, but it’s important that you seek proper medical attention from our Edgebrook, Chicago podiatrists to find out what’s going on. If you find that your pain is getting worse or isn’t going away with rest and home care, then it’s time to see a doctor.

If you notice pain or other changes in the health of your feet or ankles it’s important that you call your Edgebrook, Chicago podiatrists as soon as possible.

To schedule an appointment with a podiatrist, call us at (773) 202-8800.