The ankle joint, where the leg and foot meet, is vulnerable to a variety of problems that can lead to pain. That pain may be on the inside or the outside of the foot. Sometimes the pain resolves on its own with home treatment. Severe ankle pain requires a doctor's intervention, as it may indicate a major problem with the ankle or foot.
Causes
The most common cause of ankle pain is a sprain, an injury affecting the ligaments of the ankle. Damage to the muscles or tendons of the ankle, known as an ankle strain, is another common cause of pain. About one million injuries that can lead to ankle pain occur in the United States each year, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Other causes can include arthritis, a break or an infection.
Diagnosis
To diagnose the underlying problem, a doctor usually begins with a physical inspection of the ankle, manipulating it to feel for swelling or abnormal positioning of the bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments. If necessary, an X-ray can visualize the inside of the ankle and allow the doctor to find problems not detectable from outside observation. An X-ray is typically used when someone experiences pain at the end of the ankle bone or pain so severe that he cannot put weight on the foot, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Treatment
Resting the ankle by elevating it and keeping weight off the foot are the first steps in treating ankle pain. A cast, brace or elastic bandage may be necessary to allow the ankle to heal. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen and applying ice to the ankle can ease pain. Some diseases that cause ankle pain, such as arthritis, can be eased with anti-inflammatory medications.
Prognosis
The prognosis for those with ankle pain depends on the cause of the pain. For incurable disorders such as arthritis, ankle pain may flare up again and again. Acute ankle pain caused by strains, sprains or breaks may heal completely, provided the person stays off the affected foot and allows healing to proceed.
Prevention
Treating underlying disorders that cause ankle pain and responding promptly to ankle injuries can help prevent the development of severe or debilitating pain. Because obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are risk factors for many of the disorders leading to ankle pain, losing weight and getting regular exercise are essential to avoiding ankle problems. Those who have had ankle issues should consider exercises that strengthen the area as a way to avoid future ankle pain, suggests MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
