Ankle Pain Specialist

What causes ankle pain?

Your ankle is a complex joint that allows you to move in a variety of ways. Over time, the structures that support your ankle can break down due to overuse or age-related changes in the joint. 

You can also suffer persistent pain due to direct trauma from a fall, sports-related accident, or other traumatic event. If you’re overweight or obese, you may be at increased risk for ankle pain due to the added pressure on your joint. 

Some of the most common causes of ankle pain Dr. Burgess treats include:

• Arthritis
• Fractures
• Plantar fasciitis
• Joint inflammation
• Achilles tendonitis

You may also develop pain in the ankle if you have instability in your joint that leads to frequent dislocations. 

How is ankle pain diagnosed?

If you’re experiencing pain in your ankle and aren’t sure why, or if pain is increasing despite home care and rest, schedule a consultation with Dr. Burgess as soon as possible to prevent a worsening of your condition. 

To diagnose the root cause of your ankle pain, Dr. Burgess takes the time to review your medical history, your usual activities, and the severity of your pain. Through a physical exam, Dr. Burgess tests your range of motion and checks for areas of tenderness, swelling, and bruising. 

In many cases, you will need imaging tests, like X-rays, that allow Dr. Burgess to see the inner structures of your ankle joint. Once she confirms your condition, Dr. Burgess designs a treatment plan to protect the long-term health of your ankle joint and ease your pain. 

How is ankle pain treated?

Depending on the root cause of your ankle pain, Dr. Burgess offers a variety of treatments in-office. If you have pain from strains, inflammation, or tissue tears, you may benefit from anti-inflammatories and pain-relieving medications. Dr. Burgess may also recommend limiting activities to give your ankle time to heal. 

If you have chronic pain from arthritis or other joint conditions, you may benefit from anesthetic injections to disrupt pain signals in the nerves. This treatment can increase your comfort, so that you can participate in home exercises or physical therapy to improve the health of your ankle joint. 

You may also need to use orthotic devices to reduce stress on your ankle and to provide better support for your joint.

For fractures, tissue tears, and other complex injuries, Dr. Burgess may recommend surgery to repair the damage and restore function in the ankle joint. She also offers class VI laser technologies to stimulate your body’s own healing abilities to repair damaged tissue and reduce inflammation.

Learn more about available treatment options for persistent ankle pain by calling InStride Queen City Foot and Ankle Specialists or by requesting an appointment online today.