The Effects Overuse Can Have on the Ankle

Many people, runners in particular, may experience ankle pain throughout their lifetime. Ankle pain can be caused by acute injuries, such as a sprain, or chronic issues such as overuse. For runners, or athletes in general, one of the main causes of injuries dealing with the overuse of the ankle is rapidly increasing the intensity of your training. This spike in activity can put a strain on the tendons and ligaments of the feet, causing pain. Those who are experiencing overuse may begin to feel pain while they run, which can worsen as the activity is performed. For information on how to avoid overuse injuries, please speak with a podiatrist.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Arbor - Ypsi Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office at (734) 975-1700. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.