You may develop ankle pain suddenly if you suffer an injury like a fracture or sprain or develop slowly as the joints and tissues deteriorate. Whatever kind of ankle pain affects you, visit Las Vegas Foot and Ankle Centers at one of its offices in Henderson, Nevada. The practice’s expert podiatrists use cutting-edge diagnostics to identify the cause of your pain and offer advanced treatments to resolve it. Contact your nearest Las Vegas Foot and Ankle Centers office by phone or request a consultation using the online booking feature today.
Pain in your ankles or lower legs is likely to be a symptom of an injury or disease affecting the bones, muscles, cartilage, and connective tissues in the joint. This is especially true if it lasts for more than a day or your ankle swells.
Common problems that cause ankle pain include:
The Achilles tendon is a large piece of connective tissue at the back of your leg and heel. Injuries are common when participating in physical activities like playing sports.
Depending on what’s wrong with your ankle, you might experience additional symptoms that could include:
Mild ankle pain may go away after you rest the joint. However, if it doesn’t improve or is severe, you should seek help from Las Vegas Foot and Ankle Centers.
Treating ankle pain successfully depends on determining its cause and severity. Your podiatrist might need you to undergo X-rays or other diagnostic imaging procedures to see the damage in detail.
Initial treatments for ankle pain typically involve first aid measures known as RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation). This involves keeping your weight off the ankle, using ice packs and compression bandages to limit swelling, and raising your ankle above your heart when seated.
When you visit your podiatrist at Las Vegas Foot and Ankle Centers, they recommend treatment based on your diagnosis. It might involve wearing a brace or cast to immobilize the ankle and a referral for physical therapy. You might also benefit from anti-inflammatory medications, including corticosteroid injections, for more persistent pain.
Some causes of ankle pain, like severe fractures and ruptured ligaments, may require surgery. Your podiatrist uses minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques to limit tissue damage and pain and reduce recovery time.
They may use pins, plates, or rods to repair broken bones. Connective tissue damage might need repair or, if severe, reconstruction, where your surgeon uses grafted material to rebuild the tendon or ligament.
If you have ankle pain and need expert treatment, call Las Vegas Foot and Ankle Centers or book an appointment online today.