Chronic lateral ankle pain is recurring or chronic pain that occurs on the outside part of the ankle. Oftentimes this pain develops after an 
injury such as a sprained ankle. A Philadelphia, PA, Columbus, Mount Laurel and Bordentown NJ, podiatrist at the Foot & Ankle Group can fully examine your foot to determine the course for your pain. After this evaluation, a series of treatments can be suggested to help improve upon or to alleviate your pain entirely.
Signs of Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain
Some of the most common signs of this condition include:
- Difficulty walking
- Pain on the outside of the ankle
- Instability
- Repeated sprained ankles
- Stiffness
- Tenderness
- Swelling
There are many causes for this and the Philadelphia, PA, Columbus, Mount Laurel and Bordentown NJ, podiatrists can determine the cause of your pain. Some of the most common include a fracture, arthritis, inflammation, nerve injury, scar tissue or a damaged or torn tendon.
In terms of diagnosing this pain, the first step is identifying the cause. This requires asking you several questions, such as:
- When did the pain start?
- Have you had any kind of treatment?
- How long has the pain existed?
- Does the pain ever go away?
A number of tests including an x-ray may be required in order to rule out a fracture as a cause of your ankle pain. CT scan, bone scan or MRIs may also be needed depending on one’s injury.
After diagnosing the cause of the pain, a podiatrist will need to decide on the best course of treatment. Treating this ankle pain includes anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, steroid medication, ankle braces or supports or immobilization (if a fracture). If these treatments don’t provide relief, surgery may be required.
To learn the cause of your ankle pain, schedule an appointment with a Philadelphia, PA, Columbus, Mount Laurel and Bordentown NJ, doctor at the Foot & Ankle Group.
