Ankle Pain Specialist

Sarasota Foot Care Center

Podiatrists & Foot and Ankle Surgeons located in Sarasota, FL

Your ankle is a complex joint that bears a high degree of stress when you walk, run, or jump. Unfortunately, the complexity and function of your ankle also make it more vulnerable to ankle pain. Though the cause and severity of ankle pain varies, the team of podiatrists at Sarasota Foot Care Center, with offices in the Sarasota North and Gulf Gate Sarasota neighborhoods of Sarasota, Florida, recommends you come in for an evaluation. Without proper care, your ankle pain may turn into a more serious problem. Call the office location closest to you or book an appointment online today.

Ankle Pain Q & A

What causes ankle pain?

To provide mobility and stability, your ankle has a complex network of bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Ankle pain develops from an injury or disease that affects one or more of the components that make up your ankle.

Common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Ankle sprain
  • Ankle instability
  • Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Tendinitis
  • Fracture
  • Nerve compression (tarsal tunnel syndrome)
  • Infection

Poor structural alignment of your foot or leg may also lead to ankle pain.

When should I get medical help for ankle pain?

Ankle pain may cause a range of symptoms. Common symptoms include:

  • Swelling
  • Stiffness
  • Redness
  • Dull ache
  • Pain with weight-bearing activities
  • Decrease in range of motion

Though you may be able to manage minor ankle injuries with at-home care, the team at Sarasota Foot Care Center recommends you schedule an evaluation if your ankle pain fails to improve within a couple of days. 

You should also seek medical help if your ankle pain develops after an injury, your pain is severe, or worsens over time. 

What happens during an ankle pain consultation?

When you visit Sarasota Foot Care Center for an ankle pain consultation, your podiatrist conducts an in-depth evaluation to determine the root cause of your discomfort. The team takes a holistic approach to care and evaluates your whole health, not just your ankle. 

During the consultation, your provider asks detailed questions about your ankle pain, including when it started, the type of discomfort you feel, and the activities that may exacerbate your pain sensations.

They also review your medical history, daily routine, and perform a physical. To confirm or rule out a diagnosis, your podiatrist may request digital X-rays, which they take onsite. 

How is ankle pain treated?

Your podiatrist personalizes the treatment for your ankle pain based on the underlying cause, the severity of your symptoms, your daily activities, and your overall health. 

Initially, your podiatrist may recommend:

  • Rest, ice, elevation, and immobilization
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Bracing
  • Shockwave therapy
  • Orthotic devices
  • Physical therapy
  • Cortisone injections

They schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor you and your pain and make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed. 

In some cases, such as a complex ankle fracture or Achilles tendon rupture, surgery may be needed. The foot and ankle surgeons perform cutting-edge procedures, including arthroscopy and joint replacement. 

To get relief from ankle pain, call Sarasota Foot Care Center, or book online today.