333 N Texas Ave , Suite 2000, Webster TX 77598

Ankle Pain Treatment in Houston, TX

Ankle Pain Treatment in Houston, TX

Your ankle is a joint that is hinged. It is formed by the meeting of three bones: the end of the tibia (shinbone) and a small bone in the leg called the fibula, which meet with a large foot bone called the talus. The ankle's boney, hard knobs on each side are called the malleoli, and these weight-bearing joints offer stability when you stand up or walk. There are also various ligaments and tendons that help to provide stability.

Discomfort or pain in your ankle can occur for one or several reasons. Ankle pain can involve any discomfort in the bone itself, or it may just involve your tendons or ligaments. Depending on the severity of the injury, the pain can potentially include all of the above.

What Causes Ankle Pain?

Ankle pain can be the result of an injury from a fall or the ankle being twisted or hit while playing sports. Pain can also come from overuse. It's also possible to have arthritis in your ankle. Other potential causes of ankle pain are:

  • Various forms of tendinitis or a tendon rupture
  • A sprain, fracture or dislocation
  • Various forms of arthritis
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Infected joint
  • Bursitis
  • Gout

One of the most common ankle injuries is a sprained ankle. This typically involves the sudden stretching or tearing of the ankle's ligaments, which causes pain and swelling. It may be situated on either side of the ankle joint, or in some cases, both sides. Sprains are often caused when there is already some sort of muscle weakness in the ankle area, or because there have been multiple previous injuries to that area due to a sudden twisting (as with sports) or from stepping off of a surface that's uneven.

Another type of common ankle injury involving pain, swelling and tenderness is tendinitis. This can be from a sudden injury or from overuse, such as from playing sports. However, tendinitis can also be the result of various forms of arthritis.

Ankle Pain Diagnosis and Treatment

Your healthcare provider will want to know when the pain started, if there was trauma involved or if it seems to be more connected to overuse. Your healthcare provider will also ask about preexisting conditions that may be causing the issue, such as arthritis, complications from diabetes, complications from AIDS, or some other cause.

A physical exam of your ankle will be performed that involves checking for redness, warmth, tenderness, swelling and possible joint looseness. There will likely also be an x-ray to check for bone fractures and possibly an MRI to check muscles, ligaments and tendons.

If your healthcare provider determines that a fracture or severe sprain has occurred, you will likely need to wear a splint or a cast. Crutches may be recommended to help with mobility and to keep as much stress as possible off of your ankle. You may also need to take time to elevate it each day to help the swelling to diminish.

In the case of a less severe sprain or a version of arthritis, you will likely wrap your ankle with a compression bandage and take an anti- inflammatory medicine. A cold compress may also be recommended.

Request more information about ankle pain treatment today. Call (281) 481-2649 or contact Dr. David Vanderweide online.

Map Icon
Hours and Directions
David G. Vanderweide MD, PA
+

Address

333 N Texas Ave
Suite 2000
Webster, TX 77598
(281) 481-2649
www.dvanderweide.com

Areas We Service:

Alvin, TX, Pearland, TX, Fresno, TX, Bacliff, TX, Dickinson, TX, Friendswood, TX, Hitchcock, TX, League City, TX, Santa Fe, TX, Houston, TX, La Porte, TX, Pasadena, TX, Seabrook, TX, Clear Lake City, TX