Your feet carry you through almost every moment of the day, and when they’re in pain, it can significantly impair your ability to perform tasks. You may feel sharp, shooting pangs or a deep, dull ache. Such ankle pain can be due to any number of reasons, which a podiatrist can assess. Here are some causes to consider.

Why Does Your Ankle Hurt?

1. Ankle Fracture

A complete or partial fracture of the ankle bones, the tibia and fibula, can create extreme ankle pain. Pain will likely radiate from the ankle throughout the lower leg, making it difficult or impossible to walk. Swelling, blistering, or bruising over the site of injury is common. If you experience these symptoms, contact your health care professional immediately.

2. Sprain or Strain

A sprain is caused by the overstretching or tearing of a ligament. Ligaments connect bone to bone, and recovery can be prolonged because of limited blood flow. Strains are injuries to muscles or tendons, which connect muscle to bone. This ankle injury can sound like a pop and cause instability of the ankle joint, swelling, and tenderness.

3. Arthritis

Arthritis can create ankle pain but can be helped with exercise, custom insoles, physical therapy, and special shoes. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the tissue of joints and bones. It can affect one or both ankles, creating pain, swelling, and stiffness.

For ankle pain relief, visit Foot & Ankle Specialists in Blue Ash, OH. They offer podiatric services to patients of all kinds, including athletes, diabetics, seniors, and children. The staff provides the comprehensive, evidence-based, caring treatment you deserve. Visit their website for a complete list of services, including treatment for sprains, fractures, and bone spurs. Call (513) 769-4408 to schedule an appointment.