Ankle Pain

Most people experience ankle pain at one time or another, but if your symptoms continue for more than a week and don’t improve with at-home treatments, identifying the cause is crucial. At Blackstone Valley Foot and Ankle in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, experienced podiatrist Joseph Domenico, DPM, and his team provide conservative, minimally invasive treatment for ankle pain, including orthotics (prescription shoe inserts), corticosteroid injections, and surgery. Call Blackstone Valley Foot and Ankle today to schedule ankle pain treatment, or book your appointment online. 

Should I see a podiatrist about ankle pain?

Ankle pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems. It usually improves with rest, ice, and over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication, but if your symptoms keep you from work, exercise, and other activities, don’t wait to visit the Blackstone Valley Foot and Ankle team.

Treatment prevents the problem from worsening and reduces your risk of more severe complications, like chronic ankle pain and poor mobility.

What causes ankle pain?

The Blackstone Valley Foot and Ankle team treats ankle pain caused by:

• Tendonitis
• Bursitis
• Sprains
• Arthritis
• Flatfoot
• Infection
• Ankle instability

Sometimes, ankle pain occurs due to a broken bone. Telltale signs of an ankle fracture include severe pain, bruising, and swelling.

How does a podiatrist diagnose ankle pain?

Your Blackstone Valley Foot and Ankle provider asks about your symptoms, including when the pain started, what it feels like, and whether it’s worse during certain activities, like standing or walking. They examine your ankle and surrounding skin, checking for bruising, redness, and swelling.

Your provider assesses your ankle’s range of motion, gently moving it up and down and side to side. They test your tendon reflexes and muscle strength and press on your ankle to identify sensitive places. 

Most ankle injuries can be diagnosed visually, but if your provider suspects a fracture or arthritis, they order diagnostic imaging to look at your bones and the surrounding tissue. 

How is ankle pain treated?

The Blackstone Valley Foot and Ankle team treats ankle pain with a conservative, minimally invasive approach. They might suggest:

• Rest
• Ice
• Over-the-counter pain medication
• Wearing a splint or a brace
• Custom orthotics (prescription shoe inserts)
• Joint aspiration to remove excess joint fluid
• Physical therapy
• Corticosteroid injections

Most instances of ankle pain improve with one or more of these treatments, but if your symptoms continue, the team might recommend orthopedic surgery. Blackstone Valley Foot and Ankle offers several types of ankle surgery, including ligament repair, flatfoot correction, and total ankle replacement.

Is there any way to prevent ankle pain?

The easiest way to prevent ankle pain is to keep your ankles healthy and in good shape. The Blackstone Valley Foot and Ankle team recommends warming up before exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and strengthening your ankle muscles. 

To explore the treatment options for ankle pain, call the office today or book your appointment online at Blackstone Valley Foot and Ankle.