Ankle Pain Specialist
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Cortese Foot & Ankle Clinic
Podiatrists & Foot and Ankle Surgeons located in Normal, IL & Pontiac, IL
If you sprain, twist, or fracture your ankle, it’s normal to experience ankle pain. Without prompt diagnosis and treatment, though, ankle pain can result in disability, keeping you from exercise or other activities. At Cortese Foot & Ankle Clinic, with two convenient locations in Normal and Pontiac, Illinois, Craig Cortese, DPM, FACFAS, Steve Yeschek, DPM, and Carl Cortese, BS, DPM, FACFAS, diagnose and treat ankle pain in people of all ages. To schedule an appointment, call the office or book a consultation online today.
Ankle Pain Q & A
What is ankle pain?
Ankle pain refers to any discomfort, swelling, or general irritation that affects your ankle. This pain can occur due to an injury, like a fracture, or because of an underlying medical condition, like arthritis.
What are some common causes of ankle pain?
Sprains are the leading cause of ankle pain. In fact, sprains account for 85% of all ankle injuries. A sprain occurs when you overextend the ligaments that surround your ankle. Ligaments are tough bands of fibrous tissue that support and stabilize your ankle joint. Other common causes of ankle pain include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Gout
- Ankle fractures
- Nerve damage
- Blocked blood vessels
- Infection of the ankle joint
Most ankle pain responds to conservative treatments like rest, ice, compression, and elevation (the RICE protocol), over-the-counter pain medications, and light exercise. If your pain persists, don’t wait to make an appointment at Cortese Foot & Ankle Clinic.
How is ankle pain diagnosed?
Cortese Foot & Ankle Clinic diagnoses ankle pain during the course of a thorough physical screening. This includes a review of your medical history, a discussion of your symptoms and lifestyle, and a series of in-office exercises that test your ankle’s strength and range-of-motion.
Afterward, your provider carefully examines your feet and ankles, gently pressing on the bones and joints to detect areas of tenderness, swelling, or warmth.
If physical observation isn’t enough to make a diagnosis, they might also order an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan to get a closer look at the bones, joints, and soft tissues that make up your ankle joint.
How is ankle pain treated?
Treatment for ankle pain depends on the severity of your symptoms and their effect on your quality of life.
Whenever possible, Cortese Foot & Ankle Clinic recommends conservative treatments and healthy lifestyle changes. For example, you might benefit from losing weight, exercising more regularly, and eating a healthy, balanced diet.
If your ankle pain persists or gets worse, you might benefit from custom orthotics, MLS laser therapy, physical therapy, bracing, or corticosteroid injections.
If your ankle pain is due to a fracture or ankle instability, a cast or splint may be necessary. For ankle pain that’s severe, your provider might also recommend surgical intervention.
Don’t let ankle pain keep you sidelined. Schedule an appointment at Cortese Foot & Ankle Clinic today, call the office or book a consultation online today.