When we experience pain on the outside of our ankle, the potential cause of discomfort could be from a sprained ankle, leading to the presence of worse conditions such as chronic lateral ankle pain. Chronic lateral ankle pain can be annoying, as it inhibits our ability to walk and or even go about living our daily life. You may feel tenderness, swelling, or stiffness in the ankle area. If you are experiencing ankle pain, you may benefit from seeing an ankle surgeon in Nassau County with Foot and Ankle Surgeons of New York.
What causes chronic lateral ankle pain?
There are various reasons that you could have led you to develop chronic lateral ankle pain. Some of those reasons are:
- A serious or recurring ankle sprain – An ankle sprain, which occurs if you turn or roll your ankle in an abnormal way causing the ligaments to tear and stretch, is by far the most common cause of chronic lateral ankle sprain. If the ankle sprains are recurring, the ligaments get more and more weak and unstable. When the ligaments get weakened and when scar tissue in the area builds up, pain is caused. Because of this, it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist when suffering from a sprained ankle in order to avoid further complications like chronic lateral ankle pain.
- Arthritis – When the joints of your ankle become inflamed, this can create pain and stiffness in your ankle.
- Nerve damage – When a nerve is damaged, it sends false signals to your brain, resulting in you feeling pain.
- A fracture in a bone that is a part of the ankle joint – Whether you have a simple break in one ankle bone or multiple fractures, this can be the cause of your chronic lateral ankle pain in some cases.
The pain associated with this condition is usually most noticeable when going downstairs, wearing high heels, or in positions where your foot is pointed. Individuals with high-arched feet are also more prone to this condition. If you are unsure what is causing your chronic lateral ankle pain, contact your local ankle surgeon in Nassau County for treatment and diagnosis.
Treatment of chronic lateral ankle pain:
The cause of your pain can help determine which treatment option is best for you. Your ankle surgeon in Nassau County will likely discuss some of the following options with you in regards to your ailment:
- Anti-inflammatory medications – These medications will help minimize swelling.
- Physical therapy – Exercises such as tilt-board exercises will strengthen the surrounding muscles and restore range of motion.
- Ankle braces – This will provide extra support for your ankle and avoid further injury.
- Immobilization – This will allow the ankle to heal if there is any sign of fracture.
Chronic lateral ankle pain can be difficult to manage, but an ankle surgeon in Nassau County can help you relieve the pain and get you back to doing the activities you enjoy! Book an appointment with Foot and Ankle Surgeons of New York today!