Definition
Alternative names
Pain - ankle
Causes
In addition to ankle sprains and other injuries, ankle pain can be caused by arthritis, gout , pseudogout , and infection. Gout occurs when you produce too much uric acid (a waste product in the body). The extra uric acid gets deposited and forms crystals in joints, rather than being excreted in the urine. Pseudogout is similar to gout. In this condition, calcium deposits in one or more of your joints, causing pain, redness, and swelling. The types of arthritis that can cause ankle pain...
Alternative names
Pain - ankle
Causes
In addition to ankle sprains and other injuries, ankle pain can be caused by arthritis, gout, pseudogout, and infection.
Gout occurs when you produce too much uric acid (a waste product in the body). The extra uric acid gets deposited and forms crystals in joints, rather than being excreted in the urine.
Pseudogout is similar to gout. In this condition, calcium deposits in one or more of your joints, causing pain, redness, and swelling.
The types of arthritis that can cause ankle pain include:
Considerations
Ankle pain is often due to an ankle sprain. A sprain is an injury to the ligaments, which connect bones to one another. In most cases of ankle sprain, the ankle is twisted inward, causing small tears in the ligaments. This makes the ankle unstable. The tearing leads to swelling and bruising, making it difficult to bear weight on the joint.
Once an ankle is sprained, the injury may take a few weeks to many months to fully heal. Often, the injured ankle remains a little weaker and less stable than the uninjured one. A proper recovery program can prevent this problem.
Other structures in the ankle that can be damaged and cause pain are tendons (which join muscles to bone), cartilage (which cushions joints), and blood vessels. Adjacent areas can cause pain to be felt in (referred to) the ankle -- these include the foot, lower leg, knee, and even hip.
Care
- If you feel pain in your ankle, rest it for several days. Try NOT to move the affected area.
- If your ankle is unstable, support it, especially during standing or walking. ACE bandages work well. If this does not provide enough support, you may need to be fit for a brace. Crutches or a cane can help take the weight off a sore or unsteady ankle.
- For swelling, keep your foot elevated above the level of the heart, even while sleeping. Ice the area right away. Apply ice for 10-15 minutes every hour for the first day. Then, every 3-4 hours for 2 more days.
- Try acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and swelling.
Even after the pain subsides, you will need to keep pressure off of it for up to 10 days for a mild sprain and up to 5 weeks for a more severe sprain.
Once you have healed adequately, you can start exercises to strengthen your ankle and avoid injury in the future. Do not begin these exercises until a health care professional tells you it is safe to start. One exercise, for example, involves balancing on your healing foot and hopping.
For arthritis of the ankle, take medication exactly as prescribed. When the pain and swelling start to decrease, gently begin to exercise the joint again. Swimming is good, followed by stretching. Walking can be added later. Exercises can be done several times a day; but DO NOT overdo it. Pain is a message from your body to stop.
When to contact a medical professional
Go to the hospital or call 911 if:
- You have severe pain when NOT bearing weight.
- You suspect a broken bone (the joint appears deformed and you cannot put any weight on the leg).
- There is an audible popping sound and immediate difficulty using the joint.
Call your doctor if:
- Swelling does not go down within 2-3 days.
- You have symptoms of infection -- the area becomes red, more painful, or warm, or you have a fever over 100°F.
- The pain does not go away after several weeks.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
Your doctor will perform a physical examination, including a detailed examination of the ankles, and ask questions such as:
- Does the pain shift from joint to joint?
- Is the pain the same in both ankles?
- Did the pain begin suddenly and severely?
- Did the pain begin slowly and mildly and then get worse?
- Did the pain resolve spontaneously in less than 6 weeks?
- Does the ankle feel warm to the touch?
- Does the ankle hurt when you are not bearing weight on it?
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include the following:
References
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2008 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Review Date: .2/3/2009
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Dept of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.2/3/2009
Posted On June 26, 2008 09:03:10 AM
Posted On August 22, 2008 12:56:36 PM
Posted On August 23, 2008 06:45:10 AM
Posted On November 18, 2008 11:40:18 AM
Posted On November 18, 2008 12:59:55 PM
Posted On November 14, 2008 10:15:16 AM
Posted On November 14, 2008 10:27:10 AM
Posted On August 12, 2008 07:55:23 PM
Posted On October 20, 2008 11:40:36 AM
Posted On October 21, 2008 04:20:21 PM
Posted On April 14, 2009 04:54:09 PM
Posted On April 14, 2009 05:06:12 PM
Posted On October 9, 2008 06:19:22 AM
Posted On October 9, 2008 08:25:43 AM
Posted On February 1, 2009 08:49:11 PM
Posted On January 20, 2009 06:26:18 AM
Posted On October 8, 2008 06:45:49 AM
Posted On April 27, 2009 05:21:04 PM
Posted On April 27, 2009 05:41:41 PM
Posted On March 25, 2008 11:00:37 AM
Posted On December 24, 2007 08:22:23 AM
Posted On February 29, 2008 09:22:01 AM
Posted On February 28, 2008 09:31:38 AM
Posted On February 25, 2009 11:01:51 AM
Posted On February 25, 2009 12:12:37 PM
Posted On August 29, 2008 04:46:15 PM
Posted On March 27, 2009 07:11:18 AM
Posted On June 20, 2008 05:37:05 PM
Posted On June 28, 2008 06:36:23 PM
Posted On September 2, 2008 06:35:12 AM
Posted On September 27, 2008 04:18:47 PM
Posted On September 27, 2008 04:34:17 PM
