Chronic ankle pain commonly occurs on the outer side of the ankle and develops after an ankle injury such as a sprain or fracture.
Depending on the cause and severity, you may feel ongoing pain or stiffness of the ankle 6 months or more after an ankle injury. It can be a debilitating injury, so seeking professional advice is recommended.
Symptoms
Lasting pain is the most common symptom of chronic ankle pain. Other symptoms often include:
- Pain on the outer side of the ankle
- Pain while walking or during sports
- Difficulty walking
- Ankle instability and weakness
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Tenderness
- Warm to the touch
Causes of Chronic Ankle Pain
The most common causes of chronic ankle pain are sprains, fractures or ligament tears that did not heal correctly.
Other causes include:
- Nerve injury such as stretched, torn or pinched nerve
- A fracture
- Inflammation of the joint lining
- Development of scar tissue
- Flatfoot deformity
- Inflamed or torn tendon
- Arthritis of the ankle
Treatment
Depending on the extent of the injury, ongoing pain and diagnosis, treatment can vary and will be adjusted to the patients’ individual needs and daily activities. Treatment options include;
- Footwear Advice
- Exercise Therapy
- Orthotics
- Shockwave Therapy
- Low Level Laser Therapy
- An ankle brace or support
Prevention of Chronic Ankle Pain
You can help prevent chronic pain from developing by following some simple advice. This includes;
- Follow your Podiatrists advice and rehabilitation program
- Only return to activities when you are cleared by the Podiatrist
Moreland Podiatry – How to Treat Chronic Ankle Pain
Chronic ankle pain can be debilitating so it is important to follow your specialists’ instructions. If you have ongoing ankle pain, contact the friendly staff at Moreland Podiatry for more information or to make an appointment to have your ankle assessed by one of our Podiatrists.
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