What causes an ankle injury?
Your ankles not only support your entire body weight, they also absorb shock with every jump or step. Because your ankles regularly have added strain on them, a number of things can lead to an ankle injury and pain. If you’re suffering from an ankle injury, it could be caused by:
- Ankle sprain
- Ankle fracture
- Plantar fasciitis
- Gouty arthritis (gout)
- Wear-and-tear or osteoarthritis
- Peroneal tendon or Achilles tendon injuries
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome (nerve compression)
- Autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis
You can even suffer from an ankle injury if you have an old ankle sprain that never healed properly and has caused months or years of ankle instability.
When should I see a podiatrist for an ankle injury?
Because an ankle injury can progress with each passing day — it’s nearly impossible to stay off your feet, after all — you’re encouraged to come in to Ankle and Foot Center of Florida as soon as your pain begins or right after you have an ankle injury.
It’s particularly important to have an evaluation with Dr. Gonzalez if you’re experiencing one or more of the following ankle injury symptoms:
- Warmth to the touch
- Redness or bruising
- Swelling or tenderness
- Limited range of motion
- Difficulty pointing or flexing your foot
- Inability to bear weight on the affected ankle
With on-site digital X-ray imaging available and 50-inch monitors in each patient exam room for fast and easy viewing, you can expect a quick diagnosis so you can get started on ankle pain treatment right away.
How do you treat ankle injuries?
Your ankle injury treatment plan from Ankle and Foot Center of Florida is entirely personalized to your symptoms, your injury or condition, and your daily lifestyle. Dr. Gonzalez could recommend:
- Prescription arthritis or gout medications
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Immobilization with a cast, splint, or walking boot
- Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (known as RICE therapy)
- Regenerative medicine, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stem cell therapy
If conservative ankle treatments aren’t resolving the pain or if you have a severe ankle injury, Dr. Gonzalez could recommend surgery to make repairs. Dr. Gonzalez specializes in minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures — used whenever possible — so you can expect a quicker recovery with minimal downtime.
If you’re experiencing ankle pain or suffering from an ankle injury, contact Ankle and Foot Center of Florida right away. You can conveniently schedule an appointment online or over the phone.
