Chronic Ankle Pain

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Chronic Ankle Pain

Chronic Ankle Pain

Definition

Chronic ankle pain, also referred to as chronic lateral ankle pain, is defined as acute pain that has surpassed the expected healing time. In other words, the pain should have subsided after several days or weeks (depending on the injury or condition), but patients are still experiencing severe discomfort. Chronic ankle pain can develop as a result of any form of repetitive ankle movement. This is typically the case for people who participate in sports or high-intensity exercises. In many cases, chronic ankle pain can develop if the patient developed a previous injury that sustained additional damage before it healed properly.

Causes

Chronic ankle pain is typically the result of an underlying injury such as a tendon tear, bone spur, fracture, sprain, and more. The pain develops after the injury fails to heal properly. It's important to note chronic ankle pain doesn't just affect athletes and weekend warriors. People who suffer from underlying conditions like arthritis are susceptible to developing chronic ankle pain as well. Another cause of chronic ankle pain is scar tissue that forms around a nerve, pinching it and causing pain.

Symptoms

Some patients experience pain symptoms all the time while others may develop ankle pain during physical activities. The ankle may appear swollen or red and can cause instability and weakness, or in some cases, immobility. People often report a limited range of motion in the affected ankle as well. Occasionally, patients hear a clicking sound as they rotate the ankle. At Tulsa Pain, our patients typically experience pain on the outer side of the ankle.

Treatments

If patients are just starting to notice their persistent ankle pain, Tulsa Pain physicians may recommend staying off the ankle. Patients can ice and elevate the ankle and take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications to reduce the swelling. If the pain becomes chronic, our physicians suggest visiting a Tulsa Pain clinic to undergo a physical examination. Diagnostic imaging and other tests may be ordered to thoroughly assess the condition. Once a diagnosis is made, patients can begin a course of treatment. Our team may provide patients with anti-inflammatory medication and administer steroid injections for long lasting pain relief. A patient may be required to wear a boot or cast over the ankle as it heals. If the pain continues, patients can explore physical therapy and minimally invasive procedures.

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