Ankle pain is extremely common, often as a result of sports injuries, strain or trauma or poor alignment of foot and ankle. The pain can severely affect your ability to walk comfortably and therefore can have an effect on your mobility and quality of life. The ankle joints are prone to injury due to its complex anatomy and the combined direction of strain which occurs during most sports or physical activities, while supporting the body’s weight.
Common causes of ankle pain include:
- Damage to cartilage, ligaments, muscles, or bone
- Soft tissue injuries
- Sports injuries – sideways or rotational stresses or forced flexion or extension
- Tendinitis
- Fracture
- Arthritis
- Improper bio-mechanics of foot and ankle
- Direct/impact trauma
Common ankle pain symptoms
- Pain in the ankle or can refer pain up the shin region
- Tenderness in the ankle
- Redness around the affected area
- Swelling of the ankle
- Stiffness when trying to move
- Numbness or tingling
- Limping when trying to walk
- Trouble with ankle motion
- Problems bearing weight thru the ankle
- Grinding/clicking – crepitus
- Giving way, the ankle lets you down
The ankle is the part of the lower limb encompassing the distal portion of the leg and proximal portions of the foot. The ankle encompasses the ankle joint, an articulation between the tibia and fibula of the leg and the talus of the foot.
Ankle ligament injury is the most frequent cause of acute ankle pain. Hence, it is important to understand the anatomy of ankle ligaments for correct diagnosis and treatment. Your Blackwood Physiotherapist will show you the ligaments affecting you.
Knee Treatment
- Exercise prescription
- Taping, bandaging, splinting, bracing
- Electrotherapy – Ultrasound, Interferential
- Stretching, mobilisation
- Massage
- Orthotic to address poor foot and ankle alignment
Self Help
- Rest/unload
- Non weight bearing with crutches or with stick
- Compress
- Pain Medication – anti-inflammatory medication
- Ice Pack
- Elevate
- Movement/exercise
- Supportive taping, bandaging, braces
- Or make an appointment
