Dealing with ankle pain can be difficult. There can also be some instances where you experience ankle pain without notable injury. No matter what, it is important to see a podiatrist to learn more about your treatment options so that you can get back to your regular activities sooner than later.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Even though the immune system works to fight off germs, there can be times when it will attack the joints on accident. Known as rheumatoid arthritis, this is a condition that can impact the same joint on each side of the body. For example, most patients will have pain, stiffness, and swelling that happens in both of the ankles.
Lupus
This is a type of autoimmune disease where the body attacks the healthy tissue, which could impact your ankles or even lead to fluid buildup in the joints with the associated kidney issues. While there is no cure, your podiatrist can discuss changes to your diet, medications, and regular exercise that can be helpful.
Osteoarthritis
There is cartilage that covers the bones where they meet as a way to cushion the area. Over time and with wear and tear, this cushion can break down and the bones begin to rub against one another. As this happens, there can be a great deal of pain, loss of motion, and stiffness. In more extreme cases, surgery may be recommended.
Gout
This is a condition that impacts the feet and sometimes the ankle where uric acid converts to sharp crystals that collect in the joints. Gout can cause intense swelling and pain.
Flat Feet
Many people have an arch that is located between the ball of the foot and the heel. However, some have flat feet where there is no arch. While this is usually painless, the ankles can sometimes swell if they are out of alignment with your knees.
Bursitis
There are two fluid sacs, also known as bursa, located in the ankle that works to cushion the area between the bones and tendons. These sacs can become inflamed from wearing the wrong shoes, overuse, arthritis or excessive workouts after time off. When this happens, you may experience ankle swelling and stiffness along with tenderness and warmth to the touch.
Reactive Arthritis
This form of arthritis usually comes on after an infection in the urinary or GI tracts. You will usually start to notice swelling and inflammation and varying levels of pain.
Scleroderma
This is a group of conditions where the connective tissues and skin tend to thicken. When this happens around the joint tissues of the ankle, it is normal to feel stiffness and pain. In some instances, you may also have issues surrounding your kidneys, heart, and digestive system.
Infection
When you are having ankle pain in conjunction with irritability, fever, and sickness, you might have an infection going on. You will sometimes notice that the ankle will be warm to the touch, red, and swollen.
Whatever issue you are having with your ankles, you can visit your podiatrist to get the help you need to relieve the pain and help to cut back on swelling. Mill Creek Foot and Ankle Clinic works with countless patients dealing with ankle pain without injury – all you have to do is make an appointment for an initial consultation.
Call Dr. Hall at (425) 482-6663 at Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic for help with the ankle pain you have been experiencing.
