Ankle pain and injuries are quite possibly the most common reason for a visit to your podiatrist. Some ankle pain sources can be from systemic diseases like diabetes, while an injury from an accident or from playing high impact sports can also be the culprit. Since ankle pain can have a variety of possible causes, it can be challenging to trace the actual source of discomfort without your foot doctor’s assistance.  Appropriate treatment of ankle injuries will avoid chronic ankle instability.

Two common causes of ankle pain and discomfort include the following:

• Ankle sprains—You can severely sprain your ankle just from awkwardly stepping over the curb while crossing the street. The myriad of ligaments, tendons, muscles, and other tissues and bones that make up your ankle joint are susceptible to twists and sprains that can cause severe pain and discomfort. When you first experience an ankle injury, take the weight off the foot and allow it to rest so you can get a better idea of the extent of the injury. The RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression, elevation) is a good idea for any foot or ankle injury.

• Arthritis—There are quite a few types of arthritis that can cause stiffness, pain, and swelling in the foot and ankle joints. For example, osteoarthritis is caused by the wear and tear on your joints as you get older, while arthritic stiffness and pain can also result from complications due to gout.  It is best to consult with your podiatrist for a proper diagnosis.

If you are experiencing ankle pain, stiffness, and discomfort, we highly recommend that you consult our board-certified foot doctors. Call Syracuse Podiatry, located in East Syracuse, New York. Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, and Dr. Donal M. Erickson, and their staff will help you diagnose and treat your foot or ankle condition. Call 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online today.