Ankle Pain in Garland & Wylie, TX

What Causes Ankle Pain?

The ankle is a complex joint made up of bones, ligaments, tendons, cartilage and surrounding muscles. Because these structures work together every time you walk or stand, several different problems can cause ankle pain.

Common causes include:

• Ankle sprains
• Tendon injuries or tendinitis
• Ankle fractures
• Arthritis
• Chronic ankle instability
• Overuse injuries
• Sports injuries
• Cartilage injuries
• Gout
• Nerve-related problems
• Previous ankle injuries that did not heal completely

Therefore, knowing where the ankle hurts, when the pain occurs and how it started can provide important clues.

If you are interested in reading more about ankle pain and its common causes, additional information can be found on the National Library of Medicine website.

Ankle Sprains

An ankle sprain is one of the most common causes of ankle pain. A sprain occurs when one or more ligaments that stabilize the ankle stretch too far or tear.

You may sprain an ankle after:

• Stepping on an uneven surface
• Rolling the foot inward or outward
• Landing awkwardly
• Falling
• Changing direction suddenly during sports

Pain, swelling and bruising often follow. However, not every ankle sprain is minor. A more serious ligament injury may cause significant swelling, instability or difficulty bearing weight. Additionally, some patients develop ongoing pain or an ankle that repeatedly “gives way” after a previous sprain.

Chronic Ankle Pain & Instability

An ankle injury may feel better before the joint has completely recovered. As a result, weakness or instability can remain after the initial swelling and pain disappear.

You may notice:

• Repeated ankle rolling
• A feeling that the ankle gives way
• Pain on uneven ground
• Swelling after activity
• Difficulty running or changing direction
• Recurring pain around the outside of the ankle

A history of repeated sprains can increase the likelihood of chronic instability. Therefore, recurring ankle pain should not simply become something you learn to live with.

Ankle Pain Without an Injury

Not all ankle pain begins with a fall or twist. Pain that develops gradually may come from repetitive stress, arthritis, tendon irritation or another underlying condition. For example, people who spend long hours standing, begin a new exercise routine or suddenly increase their activity may notice ankle discomfort without remembering a specific injury.

In addition, previous injuries can sometimes contribute to symptoms years later. If ankle pain develops without an obvious cause and continues to return, a podiatric evaluation can help identify the source. Call Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic to have one of our experienced foot specialists / podiatrists examine your ankle today at (972) 414-9800 to reach our Garland and Wylie TX locations.

Tendon-Related Ankle Pain

Several tendons pass through and around the ankle. These tendons help move and stabilize the foot. However, repetitive activity, injury or abnormal stress can irritate them.

Tendon-related ankle pain may cause:

• Tenderness along one side of the ankle
• Pain during walking or exercise
• Swelling
• Weakness
• Pain when moving the foot in a particular direction

The Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel, can also cause pain around the back of the ankle. Because different tendons require different treatment approaches, identifying the exact structure involved matters.

Could Ankle Pain Be a Fracture?

Yes. Ankle fractures can occur after a fall, twist, sports injury or direct impact.

Symptoms may include:

• Significant pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tenderness
• Difficulty bearing weight
• Visible deformity after a severe injury

However, severe sprains and fractures can sometimes feel very similar. Therefore, an examination and X-ray may be necessary to determine whether a bone is broken. At Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic of Garland and Wylie, we perform X-rays in house. If your pain extends into the foot after an injury, learn more on our Foot Fracture page.

Call (972) 414-9800 today to schedule a podiatrist appointment.

Arthritis & Ankle Joint Pain

Arthritis can also cause ankle pain.

Patients may notice:

• Aching
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Reduced range of motion
• Pain after activity
• Difficulty walking comfortably

Osteoarthritis can develop as cartilage inside the joint wears down over time. Additionally, a previous ankle injury may contribute to arthritis later in life. Other forms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and gout, can also affect the ankle.

Because the appropriate treatment depends on the type and severity of arthritis, persistent joint pain deserves an accurate diagnosis. Give Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic a call today at (972) 414-9800 to set up an appointment with one of our trusted podiatrists.

Sports-Related Ankle Pain

Running, basketball, soccer, tennis, dance and many other activities place repeated stress on the ankles. Consequently, athletes commonly experience ankle sprains, tendon problems, fractures and overuse injuries.

Pain that appears repeatedly during sports should not automatically be ignored. Instead, identifying the injury early may allow you to protect the ankle and return to activity more safely.

For more information, visit our Sports Medicine page.

How Does a Podiatrist Diagnose Ankle Pain?

Dr. Nelson or Dr. Nguyen will first ask about your symptoms and how the pain began.

Your podiatrist may ask:

• Where does the ankle hurt?
• Did an injury occur?
• Is the pain constant or activity-related?
• Does the ankle swell?
• Does it feel unstable?
• Have you injured the same ankle before?
• Can you put weight on it comfortably?

Next, your podiatrist may examine:

• Swelling
• Areas of tenderness
• Range of motion
• Joint stability
• Tendon function
• Strength
• Foot and ankle alignment
• Your walking pattern

Depending on the findings, X-rays or other imaging may also be recommended. For your convenience, both of our clinics in Garland and Wylie have X-ray machines so we can perform these tests quickly and in-office.

How Is Ankle Pain Treated?

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the ankle pain. Therefore, two patients with similar symptoms may need different treatment plans.

Depending on your diagnosis, treatment may include:

• Temporary activity modification
• Ice and elevation for certain injuries
• Bracing or ankle support
• A walking boot or other immobilization
• Stretching and strengthening
• Rehabilitation or physical therapy
• Supportive footwear
• Medication when appropriate
• Custom orthotics for selected conditions
• Injections in certain cases
• Surgery for severe or persistent structural problems

Fortunately, many ankle conditions can be treated without surgery. However, severe fractures, significant tendon injuries, chronic instability or other structural problems may occasionally require surgical treatment.

Learn more about Custom Orthotics and our Foot & Ankle Surgery services.

When Should You See a Podiatrist for Ankle Pain?

Consider scheduling an evaluation when:

• Ankle pain keeps returning
• Walking becomes painful
• Swelling does not improve
• The ankle repeatedly gives way
• Pain started after an injury
• You cannot comfortably bear weight
• Exercise repeatedly causes ankle pain
• You have significant bruising
• Pain continues despite rest
• The ankle feels weak or unstable

Additionally, seek prompt medical attention for severe pain, obvious deformity, major swelling, inability to bear weight or changes in circulation or sensation.

Ankle Pain Care in Garland, TX

Patients looking for a podiatrist for ankle pain in Garland, Texas can schedule an appointment with Scott Nelson, DPM at Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic.

Dr. Nelson treats ankle sprains, sports injuries, fractures, tendon problems and other conditions that can cause recurring or acute ankle pain.

Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic of Garland
3930 Naaman School Road, Suite C
Garland, TX 75040
(972) 414-9800

Visit our Garland podiatry office page for directions and additional information.

Ankle Pain Care in Wylie, TX

Patients experiencing ankle pain in Wylie, Texas can see Hang Nguyen, DPM at Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic.

Dr. Nguyen has advanced training in foot and ankle surgery. She evaluates ankle pain, sprains, fractures, instability and other foot and ankle conditions using conservative or surgical treatment when appropriate.

Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic of Wylie
2300 FM 544, Suite 230
Wylie, TX 75098
(972) 414-9800

Visit our Wylie podiatry office page for directions and additional information.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ankle Pain

Why does my ankle hurt even though I did not injure it?

Ankle pain without an obvious injury can come from tendon irritation, arthritis, overuse, previous injuries or other conditions. Therefore, persistent unexplained pain deserves evaluation.

How do I know if my ankle is sprained or broken?

Both can cause pain, swelling and difficulty walking. An examination and X-ray may be necessary to tell the difference.

Why does my ankle keep giving out?

Repeated ankle sprains can sometimes leave the joint weak or unstable. Chronic ankle instability can cause recurring pain and a sensation that the ankle may give way.

Can a podiatrist treat ankle pain?

Yes. Podiatrists diagnose and treat many conditions involving both the foot and ankle, including sprains, fractures, tendon injuries, arthritis and ankle instability. Call our Garland TX or Wylie TX podiatry clinics at (972) 414-9800 today!

Should I keep walking on a painful ankle?

That depends on the cause and severity of the pain. If walking significantly increases pain, or if you cannot bear weight comfortably, have the ankle evaluated rather than continuing to push through the symptoms.

Does ankle pain always require surgery?

No. Many causes of ankle pain respond to conservative treatment. However, surgery may become appropriate for certain fractures, severe tendon injuries, chronic instability or other structural conditions.

Get Help for Recurring Ankle Pain

Ankle pain that keeps returning is your body’s way of telling you that something still needs attention.

Instead of repeatedly resting the ankle until it feels slightly better, find out why it hurts.

At Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic, Scott Nelson, DPM treats ankle pain at our Garland office, while Hang Nguyen, DPM provides ankle care at our Wylie location.

Call (972) 414-9800 or request an appointment today.