Dr. Joseph Hall

When you have problems with your feet, you need to turn to foot and ankle doctors who listen.

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Understanding The Cause Of Ankle Pain – When To See A Podiatrist

Understanding The Cause Of Ankle Pain – When To See A Podiatrist

Understanding The Cause Of Ankle Pain - When To See A Podiatrist

Nobody wants to deal with pain in their ankles, but this is sometimes unavoidable. You may have ankle pain that comes on without any notable injury, as well. Regardless of the cause, working with a podiatrist will help you to ensure you have the care you need to feel better and resume your normal activities as soon as possible.

Some of the potential causes for your ankle pain that a podiatrist may help with include:

  • Lupus – This is a condition where the body will attack healthy tissue, resulting in fluid build-up in the joints and pain in the ankle. Your podiatrist can go over options for treatment, such as medications, exercise, and dietary changes.
  • Osteoarthritis – The cushion of the cartilage covering the bones within your feet and ankles may wear over time. This cushion breaks down, and you have discomfort and stiffness. If a patient has an extreme case, it might be necessary to think about surgical intervention.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis – If your immune system goes against its regular duties to fight off germs, you may have issues with it attacking your joints. This condition impacts joints on both sides of the body, where patients may have stiffness, pain, and swelling in both ankles.
  • Flat Feet – When the arch between the heel and the ball of the foot is not raised, this is known as flat foot. While this is a condition that is generally painless, there can be times when swelling occurs, or there may be a misalignment of the ankles and knees.
  • Reactive Arthritis – This is a type of arthritis that may develop after a urinary or GI tract infection. People with this condition may have varying levels of pain and swelling in their ankle region.
  • Gout – Someone with gout will have notable changes in their feet, including the ankle. Uric acid begins to crystallize and collect in the joints, often leading to intense pain and swelling.
  • Scleroderma – This is an issue or group of conditions that occur once the skin and connective tissues thicken. There may also be underlying problems with the digestive system, kidneys, and heart.
  • Bursitis – Bursa is two fluid sacs found in the ankle that act as cushions between the tendons and bones. They may become inflamed due to overuse, wearing improper footwear, excessive workouts after a long period of time off, and arthritis. You could start to develop tenderness, warmth to the touch, stiffness, and swelling.
  • Infections – There could be some issues in conjunction with the pain you are having in your ankles, such as sickness, fever, and irritability – which may point to some infection. When an infection is present, your ankle could become swollen, turn reddish, and feel warm to the touch.

No matter the issue you develop with your ankles, we are here to help at Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic. Having a trusted podiatrist on your side ensures you have the care and treatment options you are looking for. Once you make an appointment, we will have you come in for a consultation and examination to formulate the best course of action.

When it comes to ankle pain, you need answers from an experienced podiatrist. Call Dr. Hall at (425) 482-6663 at Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic today!