19 Oct Symptoms of Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain
Ankle sprains are a painful and, unfortunately, common injury. If your ankle doesn’t heal correctly or you suffer multiple injuries, it can lead to pain on the outer side of your ankle. This pain is known as chronic lateral ankle pain, and it can lead to more severe ankle problems if not treated properly. Our team at Cherrywood Foot Care would like to take a closer look at some of the symptoms of chronic lateral ankle pain, so continue reading to discover more!
Symptoms of Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain
Chronic lateral ankle pain is characterized by consistent pain on the outer side of the ankle. Most commonly found in athletes, this chronic pain and discomfort commonly follows a severe sprain or fracture and is often related to multiple ankle injuries. Your pain can be so intense that you may struggle to participate in athletic activities or have trouble walking. Some of the symptoms of chronic lateral ankle pain include:
- Pain that doesn’t respond to treatment.
- Tenderness or swelling at the outside of the ankle.
- Redness, bruising or burning pain.
- Tingling or numbness.
- Inability to bear weight on the ankle.
- Instability and stiffness.
Treatment for Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain
When you hurt your ankle, it may not feel serious initially, and you may leave it undiagnosed until the pain persists. By then, you’ve likely walked on it and potentially created more issues. Proper diagnosis is crucial to treat the injury and alleviate your chronic pain symptoms adequately. Some of the treatments we offer for chronic lateral ankle pain include:
- RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation).
- Prescription of anti-inflammatory pain medications.
- Immobilization with a brace or cast to protect the ankle as it heals.
- Exercises
- Steroid injections.
Your treatment will focus on helping the injured area strengthen and recover. This is often achieved through strengthening and range of motion exercises. If your ankle does not respond well to conservative measures, surgery may be required to restore functionality in your ankle ligaments and get you back to your routine activities.
Contact Us
Chronic lateral ankle pain can quickly interfere with your ability to function and stay active. At Cherrywood Foot Care, our experts will evaluate your ankle pain and craft a treatment plan to help you manage your chronic pain. Contact us today to learn more about chronic lateral ankle pain and request an appointment!