That tender pain you feel on the ankle can be a sign of inflammation or a more serious medical disease. The pain may be dull, sharp or nondescript in nature. Sometimes ankle pain can be so excruciating that it can affect the ability to walk. There are many causes of ankle pain and a number of effective methods for treating them.
Broken Ankle
The Mayo Clinic says that a broken ankle is a common condition that can seriously affect walking. Specific symptoms of this condition include sudden throbbing ankle pain, bruising, swelling, trouble walking or bearing weight, puncture wounds and cuts.
Risk factors for suffering from a broken ankle include being overweight, participating in high-impact sports such as football, hockey, gymnastics and soccer. Also, wearing worn out or stiff shoes can increase the chances of breaking an ankle. Weakened bones (osteoporosis) or poor sensation in the feet can increase the risk as well.
Treatment for a broken ankle involves taking over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen and/or using a cast to immobilize the ankle. Sometimes, surgery may be necessary to insert pins, screws or plates into the ankle to help stabilize it.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis refers to an inflammation of the tendon, says the Mayo Clinic. Tendons are fibrous structures that connect bones to muscles. Specific symptoms of tendinitis include ankle pain near the tendon, swelling and tenderness.
Tendinitis is typically due to injury and repetitive movements.
Risk factors for developing tendinitis include being older, and playing sports such as bowling, golf, swimming, tennis, basketball and running. Also, taking part in activities that require overhead reaching and awkward positions can also increase the chances for developing tendinitis.
Treatment for tendinitis involves rest, ice and over-the-counter pain relievers. Also, stretching the muscles and tendons or surgically repairing the tendon can also help manage tendinitis.
Cauda Equina Syndrome
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery (AAOS) says that cauda equina syndrome refers to a condition in which the nerve roots are paralyzed or compressed. This can result in pain or numbness of the legs, ankles, inner thighs or back of the legs. Trouble controlling the bladder or bowels and difficulty getting up from a chair can also be a sign of cauda equina syndrome.
Cauda equina syndrome can result from infections, tumors, fractures and spinal cord narrowing.
Treatment for cauda equina syndrome involves surgery to decompress the nerves.
