Can An Old Ankle Injury Cause Chronic Swelling Years Later
Whether professional athletes or individuals who want to stay active, anyone who decides to participate in physical activity needs to understand a few things about pain and swelling caused by previous injuries.
When people are younger, accidents while playing sports are very common. Sports injuries involve the foot or ankle most frequently, and sometimes individuals do not allow enough time to pass before they get back into the game. Even something like a sprained ankle needs the appropriate amount of time to heal before the individual should return to physical activity.
Ankle sprains that suffered in previous years can often haunt athletically active patients if they were not healed properly years ago. Ankle sprains, peroneal tendon tears, twisted ankles, and other common sports injuries can severely affect amateur and professional athletes.
For this reason, our experienced foot and ankle podiatrists at Rogers Foot and Ankle Institute in Eagle Mountain, UT, recommend having any ankle injury checked out thoroughly to avoid serious ankle problems in the future. You will not have to worry about ankle injuries returning years later as an old ankle injury and causing more issues with proper treatment and time to heal.
How To Reduce Swelling And Pain In Your Ankle
May 7, 2021
When you have a swollen and sore ankle, its very distracting throughout your day and can interfere with walking anywhere. After all, the ankle bears your full body weight and helps you do everything from driving to working to doing chores around the house.
The single most common cause of ankle pain and swelling is an ankle sprain, which occurs due to an overstretching or tearing of one or more ligaments in the ankle. Typically, ankle sprains happen if you twist the joint suddenly, forcefully, or awkwardly, such as when you step off a curb too quickly or run on an uneven surface. Repetitive motions, such as jumping while playing basketball or volleyball, can slowly cause a sprained ankle to develop.
Lets talk about some of the best ways to treat an injured ankle, and where you can go here in the Cincinnati area for expert podiatry care if youre suffering from persistent ankle pain.
Caring For Swollen Feet
Its essential to take care of your feet to help prevent or reduce symptoms related to swollen feet. Inadvertently, some people alter the way they move their body in an attempt to prevent painful movements. Unfortunately, this can lead to other painful signs throughout the lower leg and foot. Some people may experience symptoms with their ankles, knees, hips, or back as a result of changing their walking gait. Symptoms felt may include:
If you are experiencing swollen feet frequently, you may want to determine if you need to changes your lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables will help to minimize inflammation or swelling.
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Acute Ankle Bone Infection
Osteomyelitis of the ankle is a bacterial or fungal infection of the ankle bones, typically caused by Staph Aureus . It is difficult to diagnose as the infection can come from a break in the skin at the area or anywhere else in the body that spreads by blood.
You should seek immediate medical care at an ER, where diagnosis of osteomyelitis can be established through x-rays and culturing fluids. Treatment involves antibiotics and removing the infected tissue .
If Your Feet Are Swollen Use The Rice Method
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What Can Cause Ankle Pain Without Injury
Dealing with ankle pain can be difficult. There can also be some instances where you experience ankle pain without notable injury. No matter what, it is important to see a podiatrist to learn more about your treatment options so that you can get back to your regular activities sooner than later.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Even though the immune system works to fight off germs, there can be times when it will attack the joints on accident. Known as rheumatoid arthritis, this is a condition that can impact the same joint on each side of the body. For example, most patients will have pain, stiffness, and swelling that happens in both of the ankles.
Lupus
This is a type of autoimmune disease where the body attacks the healthy tissue, which could impact your ankles or even lead to fluid buildup in the joints with the associated kidney issues. While there is no cure, your podiatrist can discuss changes to your diet, medications, and regular exercise that can be helpful.
Osteoarthritis
There is cartilage that covers the bones where they meet as a way to cushion the area. Over time and with wear and tear, this cushion can break down and the bones begin to rub against one another. As this happens, there can be a great deal of pain, loss of motion, and stiffness. In more extreme cases, surgery may be recommended.
Gout
Flat Feet
Bursitis
Reactive Arthritis
Scleroderma
Infection
Call Dr. Hall at at Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic for help with the ankle pain you have been experiencing.
Swelling In The Feet With Leg Pain
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Reasons For Foot And Ankle Swelling
posted: Aug. 11, 2020.
There are many reasons why someone may be dealing with swollen ankles or feet. The most common reason is an injury such as a sprained ankle however, not all causes are as obvious. If you arent dealing with a foot or ankle injury, then you may be wondering what could be causing your swelling. Along with. determining the cause of your swelling its also important to recognize warning signs of a potentially serious health problem.
Here are some possible reasons why you may be dealing with foot and ankle swelling,
Youre pregnantIts normal for there to be a little bit of swelling in the ankles and feet due to extra fluid and pressure placed on the body from the developing uterus. This is more common for women in their third trimester, especially the weeks leading up to delivery, or during hotter months. However, its important to keep an eye on your swelling to make sure its not severe or appearing suddenly. If you notice significant swelling of the feet and ankles along with stomach pain, nausea, vomiting or headaches, call your doctor right away, as this could be a sign of high blood pressure .
These are only some of the reasons why you may be dealing with foot and ankle swelling. Other causes could be,
- Consuming too much salt
- Sitting or standing for too long
- Side effects from certain medications
- Weak or damaged veins in the legs
Why Do I Have Pain In My Foot Or Ankle
Most people experience pain in and around their feet or ankles at some point in their lives.
Its one of the most complex, hard-working regions of your body. It has 26 bones and 33 small joints, all held together by a network of soft tissue made up of muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels.
Most cases of foot or ankle pain are short term and are caused by soft tissue injuries, such as sprains or strains.
These should gradually heal with the help of simple self-care measures. Though some could take a few months to fully recover, you probably wont need to seek treatment from a healthcare professional.
However, some pain can have no obvious cause or may not improve significantly with self-care.
Pain that seems to be getting worse, does not improve, or lasts longer than a few months could be due to structural changes in the foot or ankle, or an underlying condition.
There can be several explanations for long-term pain in and around the feet or ankles, such as:
- badly fitting footwear
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Treatment Options For Painful Ankle Conditions
The first thing that amateur and professional athletes should do is have any old ankle injury checked out by an experienced ankle surgeon before returning to vigorous physical activity. Treating an injury properly will help to minimize your chances of re-injury or other serious ankle problems.
Once you have been examined, your doctor may recommend that you undergo physical therapy before beginning the regular activity. If necessary, you may need to have a surgical repair completed to ensure that the previous injury does not cause severe problems. This is especially true for peroneal tendon tears.
What Are The Most Common Causes Of Ankle Pain
Pain in the ankle can result from several injuries and conditions. Some of the most common injuries that cause ankle pain include:
- Bursitis: Fluid-filled sacs called bursae cushion your bones when they move. Bursitis happens when these sacs become irritated and inflamed.
- Fractures: An accident or injury can cause bones to break . Ankle fractures range from mild to severe. Broken ankles can involve bones in any part of the ankle joint. A broken ankle causes ankle swelling and pain.
- Sprains: Sprained ankles are a common cause of ankle pain. An ankle sprain happens when ligaments stretch or tear. Sprained or twisted ankles happen when the ankle rolls forcefully out of its normal position.
- Tendonitis: Irritated, inflamed tendons are a soft-tissue injury called tendonitis. Tendons connect muscles to bones. Sometimes, a tendon can tear . A torn tendon may need surgical repair.
Many diseases, disorders and conditions can also lead to ankle pain. These include:
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Torn Acl: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
It is critical that you seek medical attention as soon as possible if you have torn your ACL. Swelling can occur at any time after an injury, and it can last for up to a week. The swelling can be caused by a specific issue, such as the knee, in some cases. If you have pain and swelling around your ankle, it is likely that you have torn your ligaments, so you should see a doctor right away.
What To Expect At Your Office Visit
Your provider will take a medical history and do a thorough physical examination, paying special attention to your heart, lungs, abdomen, lymph nodes, legs, and feet.
Your provider will ask questions such as:
- What body parts swell? Your ankles, feet, legs? Above the knee or below?
- Do you have swelling at all times or is it worse in the morning or evening?
- What makes your swelling better?
- What makes your swelling worse?
- Does the swelling get better when you raise your legs?
- Have you had blood clots in your legs or lungs?
- Have you had varicose veins?
- What other symptoms do you have?
Diagnostic tests that may be done include:
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Teenager With Ankle Pain And Swelling
Swayam P Nirujogi, MDContemporary PEDS Journal
A 15-year-old adolescent Caucasian male with no significant past medical history presented to the clinic with gradually worsening left ankle pain over the past 2 weeks, ever since he started his football practice. He complained of dull aching pain at the lower end of his left leg for the past 4 months, which was slightly relieved by over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs . He twisted his left ankle and noticed further worsening pain, which prompted this doctor visit.
The case
A 15-year-old adolescent Caucasian male with no significant past medical history presented to the clinic with gradually worsening left ankle pain over the past 2 weeks, ever since he started his football practice. He complained of dull aching pain at the lower end of his left leg for the past 4 months, which was slightly relieved by over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs . He twisted his left ankle and noticed further worsening pain, which prompted this doctor visit.
Physical exam and testing
On examination, the patients left ankle was swollen and tenderness was elicited at the lower end of the tibia, just above the medial and lateral malleolus. Ankle inversion and eversion movements were painful and the range of motion was limited. No crepitus was noted.
Differential diagnosis
The differential diagnosis for bone pain and swelling consists of:
SIMPLE BONY CYST
OSTEOBLASTOMA
GIANT CELL TUMOR OF BONE
OSTEOSARCOMA
Diagnosis
Changes In The Shape Of Your Arch
The arch is the inside mid-section of your foot. It determines how your bodyweight is spread and carried by the bones and joints of your feet.
For your foot to function at its best the arch should form a smooth arc from the ball of the foot to the heel.
The height of your arch may never cause you any kind of problems. Some people are born with arches that are higher or lower than average and their bodies adapt to them.
Other people may find their arch shape alters because of complications such as arthritis, weight, pregnancy, or injury. These changes can make you more likely to develop further problems in other parts of your foot, ankle, knee, hip and back.
If you are in pain and think your arch shape has changed speak to a healthcare professional about treatments. Insoles or supports made specially for your foot shape by an orthotist could improve pain caused by high or low arches.
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When Should I See A Healthcare Professional About Foot Or Ankle Pain
Some foot pain can become more than a short-term problem. If you cannot treat the pain yourself or you have a condition that could affect the joints or soft tissue, it may need further investigation.
You should speak to your doctor or a footcare specialist if:
- your pain does not improve in the first few days
- your pain is getting worse
- it is still causing problems after two weeks of self-care
- you have sores that are not healing
- your skin has changed colour especially if its turned dark blue or black
- your foot has changed shape or is really swollen
- you have a high temperature or feel hot and shivery
- it is red, warm, or swollen as you may have an infection
- the problem keeps coming back or lasts longer than three months
- you have an inflammatory condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma
- you have diabetes
- you are taking steroids, biologics or other drugs that affect your immune system.
Your doctor may want to refer you to a specialist in foot care, such as a podiatrist, physiotherapist, or an orthotist, for a diagnosis and treatment.
Reasons Why You Should Never Ignore Ankle Pain
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.
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Common Causes Of Swollen Feet And Ankles
Swollen feet and ankles are commonplace and usually are not cause for concern, especially if you have been standing or walking a lot. But when feet and ankles remain swollen or occur along with other symptoms, it could indicate a serious health issue. Swelling in the feet or ankles can be influenced by various factors, including:
- Medical Conditions
- Shoes that dont properly
An injury to the foot or ankle may frequently lead to temporary swelling. The most common injury is a sprained ankle. Spraining an ankle can occur when an injury or misstep triggers the ligaments that support the ankle to be stretched beyond their normal range.
What Can A Podiatrist Do For My Ankle Pain
If your symptoms persist despite these self-care measures, then it is in your best interest to see an experienced podiatrist for a medical evaluation and treatment. Depending on your diagnosis, your foot doctor may advise:
- Wearing a brace to stabilize the movement of the ankle and to off-load your body weight
- Receiving physician-administered steroid injections into the ankle to relieve pain
- Aspirating the ankle joint to remove excess fluid
- Taking pain-relief medication, possibly prescription-strength
- Wearing custom shoe inserts to provide support of your ankles
- Having physical therapy to improve muscle strength in your legs in order to provide full support of your ankles
If these measures do not help to relieve your ankle pain and swelling, then your foot and ankle doctor may recommend ankle surgery. This can be done to successfully treat severe injuries, advanced arthritis, and ankle instability.
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