18 May What is Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain?
Dealing with chronic ankle pain can be challenging. At Cherrywood Foot Care, our team offers innovative diagnosis and treatment methods designed to specifically address your condition to get you back on your feet at full strength and relieve some of the pain. Continue reading to learn more about chronic lateral ankle pain.
What is Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain?
Chronic lateral ankle pain is persistent pain on the outer side of the ankle. A condition common among athletes, this long-term discomfort is often related to frequent ankle injuries and commonly follows a severe fracture or sprain. The pain may be so intense that you experience trouble walking or participating in athletic activities. In some cases, the pain is a dull but constant ache. You may also experience difficulty walking on uneven ground, ankle instability, tenderness, and swelling. While the most common cause of chronic lateral ankle pain is past injury or sprain, there are other possible culprits, including:
- Arthritis
- Scar Tissue
- Ankle Fracture
- Nerve Damage
This condition is characterized by stiffness and swelling near the ankle and the recurring pain on the outside of the ankle. One of the more distressing symptoms of this condition is a constant feeling of ankle instability. If you are an active individual, these symptoms can be discouraging. Fortunately, there are several treatments available to relieve some of your discomfort and restore stability in your ankle.
Treating Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain
Our podiatrists at Cherrywood Foot Care will examine your ankle to determine the best course of action for your chronic lateral ankle pain. Treatment for this condition will be personalized to your unique needs. Some conservative treatments for chronic lateral ankle pain include:
- Anti-inflammatory medication.
- Orthotic support.
- Ankle brace.
- Steroid injections.
- Exercises.
- Immobilization.
If conservative treatments fail to provide relief for your chronic lateral ankle pain, our podiatrists may recommend surgery.
Contact Us
Chronic lateral ankle pain can interfere with your ability to carry out the activities you love. At Cherrywood Foot Care, our team will create a custom treatment plan to relieve the chronic pain associated with ankle injuries. Be sure to contact us today to request an appointment and find relief!