Ankle Pain: When to See an Orthopaedic Physician

We all have aches and pains in our ankles. This is especially true in our active mountain community. However, when is ankle pain a sign of a serious underlying condition? Here’s how to know when it’s time to see an orthopaedic physician about your ankle pain. 

Ankle Pain After an Injury

Athletes and weekend warriors are all susceptible to ankle injuries. However, anyone can injury their ankle—simply by tripping over an uneven surface. These injuries can happen at any age across the gender spectrum. In fact, over one million people visit the emergency room every year due to ankle pain from an injury.

Common ankle injuries include:

• Sprain: Damage to the ankle’s ligaments.

• Fracture: A break in one or more of the ankle bones.

• Tendon Tear: The fibrous tissues in the tendon tear after being pulled or overstretched.

All of these injuries occur when the ankle joint is bent or twisted too far out of its normal range of motion. This can happen while participating in athletic activities, playing sports, or even just walking down the street as a result of:

• Falling

• Tripping

• Landing improperly after a jump

• Direct impact to the ankle

• Twisting

• Rolling the ankle inward or outward

If your ankle pain occurs after any of these injuries, it’s essential to have your ankle evaluated by an orthopaedic specialist—even if you believe the injury to be minor. This is even more important if your ankle pain is accompanied by swelling, stiffness, bruising, or an inability to bear weight.

Sudden Ankle Pain With No Obvious Injury

Sometimes ankle pain can appear suddenly, without any obvious injury. Some people notice a dull ache in the morning or a sharp, shooting pain while grocery shopping. This pain may seem random, but it could point to an undiagnosed chronic condition. 

Some chronic issues that could cause your sudden ankle pain include:

• Osteoarthritis: This occurs when the cartilage in the ankle joint wears down, causing bone to rub against bone. 

• Bursitis: Bursae are small fluid sacs that serve as a cushion between the bones. When these inflame, either through overuse or stress, it can cause pain around the heel.

• Achilles Tendonitis: The Achilles tendon connects your heel to your calf muscle. Repetitive moments and overuse can strain the tendon, causing microtears that result in a sore ankle.

• Collapsed Arches: Flat feet, when the tendons in the arch of the foot collapse, can cause ankle pain and weakness.

Any pain that appears consistently or regularly should be brought to an orthopaedic ankle specialist for diagnosis. Treatment for these chronic issues depends on the severity of the condition. In a majority of cases, these conditions can be treated conservatively. These treatment methods could include one or all of the following:

• Anti-inflammatory medication

• Bracing or shoe inserts

• Activity modification

• Physical therapy 

• Steroid injections

If these conditions fail to receive proper treatment, they can result in permant damage to the joint. In these instances, Dr. Elton and his team may recommend surgery to maintain your quality of life.

Ankle Pain? Contact Team Elton Today!

If ankle pain is keeping you from doing the activities you love, contact Dr. Elton today. He and his expert team at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery will accurately diagnose the underlying condition causing your pain and recommend a treatment plan that gets you back on your feet.

Schedule your appointment by calling (970) 476-7220 or request a consultation using our online form.