Tibialis Posterior Tendon Dislocation
Dislocation of the tibialis posterior tendon is rare in sport. It occurs when the tibialis muscle pulls the tendon out of its retinaculum. The retinaculum is the tissue which holds it in place on the inside of the ankle. Symptoms include:
- Moderate pain on the inside of the ankle.
- You may be unable to weight bear on the injured ankle.
Treatment involves immediate surgery to repair the retinaculum1. The ankle is then immobilised in a walking boot for 6 weeks. Then an ankle brace is used to provide protection and support. Ankle mobility exercises can begin.
However, it is important to avoid resisted inversion (turning your foot inwards against resistance as this could over-stress the inside of the ankle.
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 .
Why Has My Ankle Suddenly Started Hurting
As mentioned above, ankle pain can occur without the classical causes of ankle injuries.
However ankle pain can suddenly occur due to numerous factors other than arthritis. Injured tendons or nerves, tendinopathy, infection and stress fractures can be some of the reasons why sudden ankle pain may occur.
Further, if you have recently changed your footwear, wear high heels often, have flat feet or are heavily involved in sports with repetitive stress of your legs and ankle such as runners or hikers, it is common for sudden ankle pain to occur.
This is due to underlying wear & tear damages from over time that are aggravated with a change in footwear or level of activity.
If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above or difficulty walking, issues with your balance or any burning/tingling sensations, see a healthcare professional immediately.
Majority of the time ankle conditions are benign and easily resolvable and the earlier you see someone, the quicker the condition can get resolved!
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Injury To The Foot Or Ankle
An injury to the foot or ankle could cause swelling in the ankle and lower leg. One of the most common injuries in this area is a sprained ankle.
This can result from a simple misstep when walking, playing sports, or working out. It happens when the ligaments that connect the ankle to the foot and leg are pulled out of alignment.
A sprained ankle can cause pain and limited mobility.
Treatment
The most common approach to foot or ankle injuries is the RICE method. RICE stands for:
- Rest: Resting the affected ankle helps prevent further damage.
- Ice: Applying ice or an ice pack wrapped in a towel helps numb the pain and reduce swelling. Apply it for 1520 minutes at a time at least three times a day.
- Compression: Wearing a compression bandage helps limit swelling.
- Elevation: Elevating the foot or ankle above level of the heart helps reduce swelling.
Vein Specialists Located In Charlotte Nc
Ankle discoloration develops for many reasons, ranging from bruising caused by a sprained ankle to red skin resulting from an infection . Skin discoloration around your ankle may also signal a potentially serious vein condition called venous stasis dermatitis. Peter Ford, MD, FACS, RPVI, and the team at Vascular Solutions in Charlotte, North Carolina, have the expertise to distinguish venous stasis skin discoloration from other causes and develop a customized treatment that heals the underlying problem. Dont wait to have ankle discoloration examined, call the office or request an appointment online today.
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Additional Causes For Severe Ankle Pain
Injuries to the ankle due to various fractures, sprains, or Achilles tendon ruptures can cause severe ankle pain. Ankle injuries are is among the most common reasons people visit the emergency room.
- Avulsion fracture: A ligament or tendon tears away from its attachment on the bone, taking a fragment of bone with it.
- Fibula fracture: The fibula is the smaller of the two bones in the lower leg. A break just above the ankle can cause severe ankle pain.
- Stress fracture: This is a crack or severe bruising in the small bones of the ankle, due to overuse and/or weakening from a loss of minerals.
Treating Swelling And Oedema
Treatment for swelling or oedema that does not go away on its own depends on the cause.
It may include lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or going on a low-salt diet.
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
Page last reviewed: 25 March 2021 Next review due: 25 March 2024
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Causes Of Swollen Ankles Feet And Legs
Swelling in the ankles, feet and legs is often caused by a build-up of fluid in these areas, called oedema.
Oedema is usually caused by:
- standing or sitting in the same position for too long
- eating too much salty food
- being overweight
- taking certain medicines such as some blood pressure medicines, contraceptive pills, antidepressants or steroids
Oedema can also be caused by:
- an injury such as a strain or sprain
- an insect bite or sting
- problems with your kidneys, liver or heart
What Causes Venous Stasis Dermatitis
Venous stasis dermatitis develops when venous reflux goes untreated. Venous reflux occurs when one-way valves in your leg veins dont function properly.
When the valves weaken, blood flows backward or refluxes in the vein instead of going up the leg to return to your heart. The refluxing blood accumulates in the vein, causing two problems: varicose veins and high pressure in the lower leg veins. The increased pressure leads to venous stasis dermatitis.
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Schedule An Appointment For Sudden Ankle Pain Without Injury
If youre experiencing ankle pain without injury, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. Seeking treatment can pinpoint the cause of your ankle pain and prevent further pain or possible injury. We are here to help you get back on your feet by collaborating on a treatment plan with you. Here at Arizona Foot Doctors, weve been diagnosing and treating sudden ankle pain without injury for over 35 years. Schedule your appointment online or call today!
When To Contact A Medical Professional
Go to the hospital if:
- You have severe pain even when you are NOT bearing weight.
- You suspect a broken bone .
- You can hear a popping sound and have immediate pain of the joint.
- You can’t move your ankle back and forth.
Contact your provider if:
- Swelling does not go down within 2 to 3 days.
- You have symptoms of infection. The area becomes red, more painful, or warm, or you have a fever over 100°F .
- The pain does not go away after several weeks.
- Other joints are also involved.
- You have a history of arthritis and are having new symptoms.
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Massage The Bruised Area
Massaging the bruised area as well as physiotherapyexercises on the affected area could as well help in quick recovery. Where theinjury was serious enough to cause ligament tear, one will be required toundergo ligament tear. To cure soreness on the bruise, minimal movement isencouraged. This helps in reducing strain brought about by the bodys weight.
With proper care, a bruised ankle should take between fourto six weeks to be completely healed. One ought to take good care of themselvesbefore they can resume sporting activities. Strengthening exercise isimportant in helping to improve the flexibility and strength of the ankle.Ensure shoes worn are well fitting to ensure ample cushioning and avoidrecurrence and avoid pressuring the bruised area.
Signs Unexplained Bruising May Be Worrisome
Unexplained bruising usually isnt something to worry about. Bruises that are odd looking or in unusual places could be cause for concern.
Bruises have a way of bothering us for days, either because theyre painful or we dont know how they got there.
The good news is that most bruises arent a big deal even if you cant explain them, said Candy Strey, a nurse practitioner.
Unexplained bruising usually appears on the arms and lower legs. Sometimes only a slight bump results in a nasty bruise.
If you think a bruise is trauma-related, use an ice pack to decrease swelling in the first 24 hours, Strey said. After that, a warm compress can help recirculate blood.
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Medical Ankle Pain Causes
Medical conditions or other illnesses may result in ankle pain, such as the following.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: This chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disease of the joints commonly affects the ankle. The immune system attacks the synovium, which acts as a protective membrane lining the joints. This causes severe inflammation and pain.
- Gout: An increased uric acid level in the body will cause a deposition of crystals in the joint. This is very painful.
- Infection: Bacterial joint inflammation is a serious condition and causes severe pain in the ankle joint. This is often referred to as septic arthritis. Bacteria gets into the joint and causes severe cartilage destruction and bone damage. If not treated, it can lead to septic shock.
What Can I Do To Relieve Ankle Pain
Most ankle pain gets better with rest, ice and over-the-counter pain medication. Follow your providers instructions for at-home treatments for ankle pain. Your provider may recommend the RICE method . If pain is severe or your ankle still hurts after a few days of at-home care, see your provider.
The most common home treatments for ankle pain are:
- Rest: If youve had an injury such as a sprain, you should stay off your feet for a while. Talk to your provider about how long you should rest. Crutches or a walking boot can help you get around without putting weight on your ankle.
- Ice: To reduce swelling, apply ice or a cold compress to the area for 15 to 20 minutes every few hours.
- Compression: Ask your provider about wrapping an elastic bandage around your ankle to reduce inflammation. Be careful not to wrap it too tight.
- Elevation: Resting with your ankle elevated above your heart reduces swelling. You can also try to sleep with your foot elevated at night.
- Over-the-counter pain medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can relieve pain and reduce swelling. Talk to your provider before taking any medication.
- Supportive footwear: Make sure your shoes provide adequate support for your feet and ankles. Avoid flip-flops, sandals and shoes that are too loose. Its especially important to wear proper footwear when playing sports. Activities such as basketball and volleyball can lead to ankle injuries, especially without the right footwear.
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How Do Vein Specialists Treat Ankle Discoloration
After performing an evaluation and diagnostic imaging, Vascular Solutions develops a treatment plan based on the underlying condition, the severity of the ankle discoloration, and the presence of leg wounds. The goals of treatment are to alleviate symptoms , reduce progressive skin discoloration, and prevent the development of venous ulcers.
Most people with ankle discoloration will benefit from intermittent leg elevation and some form of external leg compression garment . These actions reduce pressure in the leg veins and also reduce leg swelling.
Most people with ankle discoloration secondary to vein problems are a candidate for at least one of the following procedures:
These procedures work by different mechanisms, but each procedure eliminates or reduces pressure in the problematic leg veins, which prevents worsening skin discoloration.
Dont wait to get help for ankle discoloration. Call Vascular Solutions or request an appointment online today.
Ankle Pain : Causes Of Sudden Ankle Pain Without Injury
This condition is not unique, despite its peculiarity. According to a study, about 15% of people middle-aged and older suffer from recurrent sudden ankle pain without injury, no swelling, and a lack of a clear cause. There may be an underlying medical cause for your suffering.
Today we’ll cover some of the reasons you might have ankle pain without injury and what steps you should take to help the situation.
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Why Does The Side Of My Ankle Hurt
There are many injuries that can contribute to lateral ankle pain. Some of which include a tendinopathy, subluxation, osteochondral injury, ankle impingement, sinus tarsi or cuboid syndrome and bony stress injuries or fracture .
Lateral ankle ligament sprains are the most common type of ankle injuries. They account for 85% of all ankle sprains. The ATFL, short for the anterior tibiofibular ligament, is the most frequently injured as it is the weakest .
Lateral ligament sprains usually occur from a combination movement of inversion, adduction and plantar flexion typically when there is a rapid shift over an individual’s centre of mass over a landing or weight bearing foot.
If not addressed properly, lateral ligament sprains can become recurrent issues especially within the sporting population. Basketball players have the highest incidence, with a recurrence rate greater than 70% .
Therefore, it is important to treat ankle injuries immediately to reduce damage, prevent recurrences and return to the sport or activity you love.
#MakingHealthySimple
Why Do I Bruise So Easily
Bruising is caused by the extravasation of blood from vessels into the skin. Easy bruising can result from abnormalities affecting the blood vessels themselves, the surrounding skin, platelet number and function, or your bodys ability to clot blood. Causes that affect the aforementioned parameters include medications like aspirin, genetic conditions like hemophilia, or dietary insufficiencies leading to inappropriately low levels of important clotting factors.
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Pain On Outside Of Foot
Reviewed By: FPE Medical Review Board
Pain on the outside of the foot is a common problem.
The pain may be on the inner side of the foot or on the outer side .
Symptoms may have come on gradually over time, or developed suddenly with an injury.
Thinking about the location and onset of side foot pain can give us a good indication of what the problem is.
So let’s have a look at the most common causes of pain on the side of the foot.
Ligament tears account for 85% of all ankle injuries and are the most common cause of pain on the outside of the foot.
Cause: Rolling over on ankle
Symptoms: Side foot pain, swelling, bruising, instability
Cuboid bone shifts out of position, subluxes. Often goes undiagnosed causing ongoing pain.
Cause: Inversion injury or repetitive strain
Symptoms: Pain on outside of foot, worse in the morning or when when walking/running esp. on uneven ground
Repetitive tension through the peroneal tendons causes inflammation & degeneration.
Cause: Frequent overuse e.g. long distance running, abnormal foot position, muscle imbalance, ankle injury
Symptoms: Gradual onset lateral foot pain, worse with activity, hurts to twist foot
Small break in one of the foot bones that if left untreated can cause long-term problems.
Cause: Repetitive overloading in sports, running and jumping, sudden increase in activity
Symptoms: Progressive pain, worse with activity, localised swelling, tenderness
Cause: Excessive friction on the skin from tight shoes, foot deformities, aging
How To Treat Bruises
You may treat bruises at home with some of the following options:
- Use an ice pack to reduce swelling. Wrap the pack in cloth to avoid putting it directly on your bruised skin. Leave the ice on your bruise for 15 minutes. Repeat this every hour as needed.
- Rest the bruised area.
- If practical, raise the bruised area above your heart to keep blood from settling into the bruised tissue.
- Take an over-the-counter medication, such as acetaminophen , to reduce pain in the area. Avoid aspirin or ibuprofen as they may increase bleeding.
- Wear tops with long sleeves and pants to protect bruises on your arms and legs.
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What Else Can Cause Unexplained Bruising
Other factors may cause unexplained leg bruising. Often, these things affect your bodys coagulation process.
Coagulation, or clotting, is your bodys ability to seal a wound and stop bleeding. There are several factors involved in clotting, such as platelets. These cells help your blood clot.
If something is hindering the effectiveness of the clotting process, bruising and bleeding may result. This can happen in a variety of ways:
- Platelets or other clotting factors arent functioning properly.
- There arent enough platelets or other clotting factors being produced.
- Platelets or clotting factors are being destroyed.
- Some clotting components are absent .
Keep in mind bruising on the legs is a very common occurrence and can happen quite easily. By itself, its usually not a sign of an underlying health condition. Youd most likely have bruising on other areas of your body that are accompanied by other symptoms, such as easy or excessive bleeding.
Other potential causes of bruising on legs
- side effects of some medications, such as aspirin and blood thinners
- some dietary supplements, such as ginkgo, garlic, and fish oil
- autoimmune diseases, such as immune thrombocytopenia and lupus
- vasculitis, an inflammation of the blood vessels that happens when your immune system attacks them by mistake
- , an extreme and life-threatening reaction by your body to an infection
- heavy alcohol use
If you or your child has unexplained bruising, it may be time to see your doctor.
Can I Stop Myself From Bruising So Easily
Preventing easy bruising depends on why it is occurring in the first place. In the case of medication-induced bruising, decreasing the dose of blood thinners can prevent easy bruising. Ensuring that your levels of blood cells and clotting factors are at appropriate levels is the best initial measure to treat preventable causes of easy bruising. Important things to also consider include family history and diet.
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