What causes ankle pain?

You may develop ankle pain from an injury or an underlying medical condition. Some of the more common causes of ankle pain treated at Dearborn and Livonia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine include:

Achilles tendon injuries

The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscle to your heel bone. You may develop ankle pain from an Achilles tendon injury such as tendonitis (inflammation), tendinosis (chronic inflammation), or an Achilles tendon tear. 

Ankle sprains

Over-stretching of the ligaments that hold the bones in your ankle joint together is an ankle sprain. Ankle sprains are a common cause of ankle pain.

Fractures

Fractures in any of the bones in the ankle also cause pain. Dearborn and Livonia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine specializes in the management of all types of ankle features, including stress fractures that cause small cracks in the bone from overuse. 

Arthritis

Ankle arthritis also causes pain in the joint. You may develop ankle arthritis from the degenerative changes that occur as you get older, or from a previous acute or overuse ankle injury.

When should I seek help for ankle pain?

You can treat mild ankle pain and minor injuries at home. But you should schedule an appointment at Dearborn and Livonia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine if you have severe ankle pain, ankle swelling, difficulty bearing weight on the ankle, or an obvious deformity.

Your provider conducts a thorough examination so they can find the underlying cause of your ankle pain and provide the best treatment. Your evaluation includes a review of your symptoms, medical history, and an examination of the ankle.

Your provider at Dearborn and Livonia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine also performs X-rays or an MRI to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.

What are some treatment options for ankle pain?

Dearborn and Livonia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine takes a patient-centered approach to care and customizes your ankle pain treatment plan based on the cause of your discomfort. 

Treatment options for ankle pain include:

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Orthotics
• Crutches
• At-home stretching and strengthening exercises
• Physical therapy

If you have an Achilles tendon tear or a severe ankle fracture, your provider may recommend ankle surgery to repair the injury. For severe ankle arthritis, your provider may suggest a joint fusion procedure or total joint replacement.

Don’t ignore your ankle pain; call Dearborn and Livonia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, or schedule an appointment online today.