Ankle Pain

Sometimes we think of ankle pain as a fact of life. It is something that just happens as we get older. Something that we have to learn to live with – or something that will require major surgery to fix. But none of those things are necessarily true.

Professionals at the Foot & Ankle Center of Oklahoma offer expert diagnosis and treatment options to relieve your ankle pain. We can fit you with an ACE knitted ankle support, custom ankle braces (AFOS), or custom orthotics as needed. We use state-of-the-art technology like shock wave treatment, known as EPAT therapy, and can recommend surgery when required. Many of those procedures can be done right here in our office.

What is Causing Your Ankle Pain?

Maybe you know what is causing your ankle pain. Weekend warriors and athletes alike are prone to ankle sprains and perhaps even fractures. Sometimes the wear and tear of walking on unstable joints cause pain, and arthritis can be extremely painful.  

We may need to do x-rays or other tests along with a physical examination to determine the cause of your ankle pain. With a diagnosis, our podiatrist will create a treatment plan for your particular needs. 

Ankle Sprains

Rolling your ankle can happen at any time, even during a game of flag football or just walking down the street. An ankle sprain can cause the ligaments that hold your ankle bones in place to tear or stretch. It will usually cause pain when you put weight on your foot and makes walking difficult. Your ankle will swell and probably bruise.

A sprain is an injury to the soft tissues of the ankle and foot. Often, all that is needed is pain control and non-surgical methods to support the joint as it heals. 

Arthritis

Arthritis is the term for the inflammation and wearing down of the cartilage in our joints. It is often the result of years of overuse or old injuries. It is more common in older people, but that does not mean that you just have to live with the pain and swelling. 

There are ways to help prevent further damage while making your life more comfortable. In some cases, surgery may offer relief. But first, we will try non-invasive techniques to reduce your discomfort. 

Fractures

Broken bones often look a lot like a bad sprain. X-rays can find broken bones, which will take longer to heal than a simple sprain. Any of the bones in your lower leg and/or foot can be broken if enough force or torque is applied. 

Immobilizing the joint in the correct position for healing is necessary. Complicated fractures may need surgical repair with plates and screws to hold the bones in place.

Flatfoot, Overpronation, or Underpronation

Your foot should not roll when you walk or run. Having high arches or flat feet both cause pronation – or rolling – of your ankle as you move. 

Overpronation is when your foot rolls inward, and underpronation is when it rolls outward. Both make your ankle less stable. Proper footwear and orthotics can stabilize your ankles so that injury is less likely.