Ankle Pain - Symptoms, Causes, Prevention, Treatment

Any pain or distress in your ankle is referred to as ankle pain. A physical issue, for instance, an injury or sprain, or a medical condition like rheumatoid arthritis, can cause severe pain. 

It is a very common condition and is prevalent in the individuals who are: 

1. Aged above 65 years
2. Obese
3. Involved in sports/ gym training

The common signs and symptoms observed during ankle pain are:

1. Unable to walk properly
2. Unable to bear any pressure on the ankle
3. Pain after standing for too long
4. Stiffness 
5. Swelling
6. Tenderness

Ankle pain is a very common symptom caused by many other health conditions such as:

1. Rheumatoid arthritis/ Osteoarthritis: Pain and stiffness in the ankle can lead to severe pain 
2. Sprained ankle: It is a very common cause of ankle pain.
3. Tendonitis is a condition referred to as irritated, inflamed tendons are soft-tissue injuries. 
4. Gout: It is a type of arthritis resulting from the accumulation of uric acid in the body. Gout in the ankle can cause severe pain.
5. Infection: Various infections such as cellulitis might cause swelling and ankle pain
6. Flat foot: A very low or no arc in the foot can cause severe ankle pain.
7. Blocked blood vessels
8. Septic arthritis
9. Stress fractures
10. Bursitis is an inflamed condition of the fluid-filled pads that act as a cushion at the joints.
11. Broken foot

For diagnosing ankle pain, your physician will initially conduct a physical examination. The physician will look for the location of the swelling and tenderness to determine the cause of the condition. The physician will also move your foot in various directions during the physical examination. You might also be asked to walk to examine any posture or movement changes.

Later, based on the results of the physical examination, the physician might recommend a few tests such as:

1. X-Rays: The majority of the fractures can be visualized on X-ray; however, tiny fissures might not get diagnosed via X-Ray until the break begins healing.
2. Bone scan: This test can diagnose conditions that X-Rays, such as tiny fissures, cannot visualize. In this test, a minute quantity of radioactive material is injected into the veins. The material has a greater affinity for damaged bones, and therefore, damaged areas are highlighted by bright spots during the diagnosis.
3. CT scan: In this test, X-Rays are taken from various angles and are combined to form a cross-sectional image of internal conditions. This test aids the physician in identifying the precise treatment for a broken ankle.
4. MRI: This test employs radio waves and an effective magnetic field to form detailed images of the ligaments that hold up the ankle. This test identifies ligaments and bones that cannot be seen on X-Rays.
5. Stress test: This test determines the need for surgery. In this test, the physician exerts some pressure on the ankle and takes an X-Ray. If the joints open up, it indicates the need for surgery.

Treatment of ankle pain can be surgical or non-surgical based on the injury's cause, severity, and location. However, initially, the physician may prescribe an over-the-counter pain killer for instant relief and will also advise you the following:

1. Rest properly
2. Apply ice for 20 minutes  
3. Compress with an elastic bandage
4. Keep your feet elevated
5. Wear supportive footwear

Treatment option includes:

1. Walking boot, cast, or splint: In case of stress fracture (tiny fissure), your doctor might recommend non-surgical treatment options such as a brace or cast to support your ankle while it heals.
2. Crutches: These aid you in walking without exerting any pressure on the ankle. 
3. Physical therapy: A specialized physical therapy will aid you in enhancing your flexibility and strengthening muscles that support the ankle
4. Steroid injections: Cortisone injections are injected by your physician to reduce inflammation and pain.
5. Surgery is employed when no other treatment option works or the case is very severe. Ankle joint replacement surgery can aid in reducing pain.