Ankle pain like any other joint problems can greatly affect ones lifestyle. There are many causes of ankle pain from trauma to overuse injuries to systemic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms may include stiffness, swelling, and a dull ache. If rest, ice, and over the counter anti-inflammatory medications have not helped, a visit to one of our podiatric physicians may be indicated.
Evaluation of your ankle pain will usually require x-rays. If the problem is not visible on x-ray, a MRI or CT scan may be ordered. The MRI allows your doctor to visualize the cartilage and bones of the ankle as well as all the surrounding ligaments and tendons. This allows for a very specific diagnosis and treatment program.
Depending on the severity of your problem, treatment may include stronger oral medications, physical therapy, and occasionally injections of either steroids or joint lubricants. If conservative therapies fail, our podiatric physicians are very skilled in surgical procedures from arthroscopy, utilizing microsurgical cameras in the joint, to full ankle reconstruction.