When ankle injuries and pain are not appropriately diagnosed and treated, it can cause daily challenges. This pain may become difficult to handle and could result in long-term disability. There are several factors you should consider when deciding when you should see someone for ankle pain.
Not all of the following factors are easily identified. So, when in doubt, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our foot and ankle specialist at Richmond Orthopedic Institute to ensure you get the treatment you need to regain as much function as possible.
Causes for Ankle Pain
Ankle pain is a common issue that can result from several causes. Ankle pain can happen in people of all ages and all activity levels. Problems can range from acute injuries to chronic conditions, including exacerbating underlying medical issues that contribute to persistent ankle pain. It is crucial to understand the root cause to get a correct diagnosis and plan an effective treatment.
Injuries in Children
Several types of common injuries occur in children and adults. Growth plate injuries are common in children, especially athletes. The growth plate is located at the ends of the child’s bones and is particularly vulnerable to injury. Children are also at risk for strains that happen after trauma or fractures (broken bones) that can happen when a child rolls or twists their ankle on an uneven surface.
Injuries in Adults
Adults are also at risk for broken bones and strains of a ligament or muscle. Adults can experience sprains, where the injury occurs in the ligaments. These can range from mild to severe. Chronic repetitive injuries can also affect the Achilles tendon and other tendons and cause tears or ruptures. Although you might think a sprained ankle is not a serious injury, many can lead to chronic instability, pain, and swelling when not treated correctly.
Understanding Pain Without Injury
There are several reasons that your ankle may have pain, swelling, or instability without a sudden trauma or injury.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a medical condition that can cause ongoing soreness, swelling, warmth, or achiness. There are over 100 types of arthritis, several of which can affect the ankle, such as psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.
Nerve Injuries
Nerve injuries that occur anywhere between the lower back and down the leg can cause pain in the ankle. This often feels more like numbness and tingling. Although plantar fasciitis is technically a foot injury, pain, and tenderness can extend into the ankle.
Overuse Injuries
Overuse injuries of tendons in the foot and ankle can be painful and are not triggered by an acute injury, but rather by chronic use. Bacterial and fungal infections can trigger pain and swelling in the ankle, as well as rheumatological conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Reasons To See an Ankle Specialist for Ankle Pain
It can be difficult to tell the difference between a broken or a sprained ankle. Determining when to consult with a foot and ankle specialist is crucial to experiencing timely and effective treatment. Some symptoms should not be ignored and addressed immediately, while others may be reasons to schedule an appointment for the following day. Early intervention can prevent complications and promote better outcomes, increasing the potential for optimal mobility.
When to Seek Immediate Attention
There are several reasons why you should seek immediate attention at the emergency room or an urgent care center, such as if there is severe pain or swelling after an injury or if you have pain that is consistently getting worse. Any injury in which there is an open wound at the ankle, the joint looks deformed, or you cannot put weight on the foot, is cause for seeking immediate medical attention.
When to Schedule an Appointment
Earlier treatment can be more effective and produce better results. However, not all ankle injuries require immediate medical attention. If you have injured your ankle but can still bear weight on the foot and are not in severe pain, you can wait until the next morning to call the office and schedule an emergency appointment. Unfortunately, the longer you wait to be treated, the higher the likelihood that the necessary treatment will require lengthy rehabilitation.
Call Our Office to Learn More About When You Should See Someone for Ankle Pain
We understand it is sometimes difficult to determine when you should see someone for ankle pain. Because the foot and ankle are structurally and physiologically complex, even a slight injury can result in prolonged pain and discomfort.
Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the potential for long-term disability. We encourage you to call our office to schedule an appointment to have your concerns addressed with a physician.