Sprains, Strains & Fractures
A foot or ankle sprain is a soft tissue injury. Most often, a sprain occurs when an injury pulls, stretches, or tears the ligaments that connect bone to bone. A fracture is actually a break in the bone.
Ankle Pain?
Information provided for educational purposes only. For diagnosis, individualized treatment, and medical advice please make an appointment to visit our qualified podiatrists. Northwest Foot and Ankle Specialists treats a variety of conditions not limited to what is listed here.
A malleolus is the bony prominence on each side of the human ankle. Each leg is supported by two bones, the tibia on the inner side (medial) of the leg and the fibula on the outer side (lateral) of the leg. The medial malleolus is the prominence on the inner side of the ankle, formed by the lower end of the tibia. The lateral malleolus is the prominence on the outer side of ankle, formed by the lower end of the fibula.
Possible Conditions
Symptoms
Pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking on the affected foot or ankle
Causes
Injury, tripping or stumbling
Home Treatments
Rest, ice, compression, elevation, NSAIDs
Surgery may be required
When to See a Doctor
Increased pain, swelling, bruising, redness, or difficulty walking after an injury are definite signs that it's time to see a podiatrist.
Arthritis
Inflammation and swelling of the cartilage and lining of the joints, generally accompanied by an increase in the fluid in the joints.
Symptoms
Swelling, recurring pain or tenderness, redness or heat, limitation in motion of joint
Causes
Injury, heredity, infection, drug abuse
Home Treatments
Physical therapy, Aspirin, orthotics
Surgery may be required
When to See a Doctor
Because arthritis can affect the structure and function of the feet, it is important to see a doctor of podiatric medicine if any of the symptoms occur in the feet.
Peroneal Tendinitis
Peroneal tendinitis is an irritation to the tendons that run in a groove, behind the bony prominence on the outer aspect of the ankle.
Symptoms
Pain, swelling in the outside and back part of ankle
Causes
Excessive repetitive forces during standing and walking
Home Treatments
NSAIDs, activity modification, ice, muscle strengthening, ankle bracing, and/or specific types of shoe inserts or orthotics
Surgery may be required
When to See a Doctor
Increased pain, swelling, bruising, redness, or difficulty walking are definite signs that it's time to see a podiatrist.