Most of us consider aches and pains a normal part of daily life. Don't get us wrong, some aches are in fact normal. But others can be indicative of a severe health problem.
Don't ignore sharp or dull ankle pain. Instead, visit Town Center Foot & Ankle. Dr. Stephen Eichelsdorfer will determine if your ankle pain is serious and help treat you.
Fractures happen when the bones in your ankle snap or break. Unlike minor sprains or pulled muscles, fractures cause serious pain and swelling. If your ankle swells and doesn't stop swelling after a few days, you might have a fracture. You'll need an x-ray to be sure. Once it's confirmed, your doctor may have you wear a boot or cast to help with the healing process.
Gout is a form of inflammation. It happens when uric acid builds up in your blood, causing crystals to grow in your joints. If you experience stabbing ankle pain, you might have gout. Don’t worry, gout is manageable once diagnosed. Your doctor will probably prescribe anti-inflammatory medication.
Tendonitis is when your tendons become inflamed. This can cause pain in your knee, shoulder and yes, your ankle. Injury, aging, and even certain antibiotics can cause tendonitis. And sometimes, the pain is severe. The good news is, mild tendonitis goes away by itself. But if pain increases, your doctor might need to intervene.
An injury typically presents in one spot. With arthritis, your entire joint hurts. Along with pain, you may experience stiffness and difficulty with everyday activities. There's no cure for arthritis but treatment can help. Whether you have osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Your doctor can help manage your symptoms with medication, exercise, and more.
If you have ankle pain and a severe fever, you might have an infection. Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can damage your heart. It usually develops if strep throat or scarlet fever wasn't treated properly. Ankle pain, knee pain, and wrist pain are common symptoms. Have you recently had strep throat? Are you experiencing joint pain? You should see a doctor immediately.
It's easy to dismiss ankle pain. But you shouldn't. Especially if the pain increases over time. Don’t wait, seek medical attention at Town Center Foot & Ankle.
Dr. Stephen Eichelsdorfer is an expert at treating complicated foot and ankle injuries. Contact us here to make an appointment online today.
