Ankle pain can be caused by a number of things. A very common problem is tendinitis. Tendinitis is when the tendons of any muscle start to swell and become inflamed. Tendinitis often develops after a sprain or strain (muscle or ligament tear). Or it can develop with repetitive micro traumas from overuse of the muscles and tendons.
Pain
Pain is one of the most noticeable things that will drive people to get care. The pain in the early stages is felt within the tendon itself. The main tendons in the ankle that can get irritated are located near the rounded bones on the inside and outside of the ankle and near the back of the ankle at the heel. Pain will be felt at rest and will increase with movement and stretching. Squeezing the tendon or putting pressure on the tendon will also increase the pain.
Swelling
The swelling will not be that noticeable in the early stages of tendonitis. If there is no treatment or the condition becomes more chronic, however, the swelling can become more obvious. The swelling will be seen as a viable soft lump of tissue. Depending on what tendon in the ankle is affected, the swelling is often seen around the rounded bones that protrude on the inside or outside of the ankle (malleoli) or at the back of the ankle near the heel.
Home Care
Using the acronym RICE helps to remind people of home treatment options. Rest the area, place ice wrapped in a thin towel directly over the pain, compress the area with an ace bandage, and elevate the ankle to the level of the heart.
After these basics are done, it is also important to keep the ankle joint moving in pain-free ranges of motion to keep the joint from becoming stiff and causing pain. Gentle stretching of the muscles that are attached to the tendon will also help to keep everything moving. Use of icing and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications after any strenuous activity also help keep the swelling down.
Office Care
If home care cannot keep the pain at bay, it is helpful to see a physical therapist or chiropractor so that the practitioner can use modalities such as ultrasonography, muscle stimulation, transverse friction massage, soft tissue therapy and athletic tape to help calm the tendons and muscles and support the joint function.
Additionally, the joints within the ankles will need to be adjusted to allow for proper movement of the joint and decreased strain on the muscles and tendons surrounding the joint. The sooner treatment is started, the shorter the in-office treatment will be.
References
- Quick Reference Clinical Chiropractic Conditions Manual; Nikita Vizniak and Michael Carnes; 2004
- Mayo Clinic: Achilles Tendinitis
