Ankle Pain
If you are suffering from ankle pain, at Ashford Orthopedic Specialists we offer personalized treatments to alleviate the pain and get you back to function.
To find out if you’re a candidate for our ankle pain treatments, reach us at our Athens or Loganville, GA, locations or book an appointment online today.
Types of Sports Injuries
Sprained Ankle
A sprained ankle occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle joint are stretched or torn, often as a result of a sudden twist, roll, or misstep.
Common causes
Common causes include walking or running on uneven surfaces, landing awkwardly after a jump, or engaging in sports activities that require sudden changes in direction. For example, in a slip-and-fall accident, as the person’s foot strikes the ground, the ankle may roll sharply, overstretching the ligaments that hold the ankle bones together.
- Inversion sprains, where the foot rolls inward, are the most common, affecting the outer ligaments of the ankle.
- Eversion sprains, although less common, can be more serious as they affect the inner ligaments. In either case, the sudden impact or misstep causes the ligaments to stretch or tear, leading to pain, swelling, and instability.
The severity of the sprain will depend on how much the ligaments are damaged, with mild sprains involving slight stretching and more severe injuries resulting in partial or complete ligament tears. Proper evaluation and immediate care are crucial in any accidental sprain to prevent long-term damage.
Symptoms
Symptoms typically include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. In more severe cases, there may be a popping sound at the time of injury and instability in the ankle.
Treatment
Treatment usually involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E.) to reduce swelling and pain. In some cases, Dr. Ashford may recommend physical therapy to restore strength and stability, and in severe instances, medical intervention such as immobilization or surgery may be necessary. Prompt care is essential to ensure proper healing and prevent recurrent injuries.
Fractured Ankle
A fractured ankle occurs when one or more of the bones that form the ankle joint—typically the tibia (shinbone), fibula (outer leg bone), or talus (the bone between the leg and foot)—break due to trauma or excessive force.
Causes
This type of injury can happen in accidents like falls, car crashes, or sports injuries where the ankle is subjected to sudden impact or twisting forces. For instance, landing awkwardly after a jump or a heavy blow to the ankle can cause the bones to crack or break. Depending on the severity, the fracture may be a small crack (stress fracture) or a complete break, and it may occur in multiple bones at once.
The Anatomy of the Ankle
The ankle joint is made up of three primary bones: the tibia, fibula, and talus, all connected by ligaments and tendons that support the joint and allow for smooth movement. When a fracture occurs, it disrupts this structural integrity, leading to severe pain, swelling, and an inability to bear weight on the affected foot.
Visible deformity, bruising, and bone misalignment may also be present in more serious cases. Symptoms often mimic those of a sprain, but fractures typically involve sharper, more localized pain and difficulty moving the foot.
Treatment
Treatment for a fractured ankle varies based on the type and severity of the break.
- Mild fractures may be treated with immobilization using a cast or splint to allow the bones to heal, along with rest, ice, and elevation to reduce swelling.
- More severe fractures, where the bones are displaced or unstable, often require surgical intervention to realign the bones using metal plates, screws, or rods. Following the initial healing period, physical therapy is often necessary to restore mobility, strength, and flexibility to the ankle joint.
- Recovery can take several weeks to months depending on the severity of the fracture and the treatment required.
“Dr Ashford has been great to work with throughout my procedure. My experience has been better than I expected. I am very pleased with Ashford Orthopedics and have and will recommend Dr Ashford for any orthopedic needs.” —Charles R.
Ankle Plate Removal
Ankle plate removal is a surgical procedure performed to take out metal plates and screws that were previously inserted to stabilize fractured bones in the ankle. These hardware devices, typically made of stainless steel or titanium, are used to hold the bones in proper alignment during the healing process after an ankle fracture. In most cases, the plates and screws remain in place permanently. However, they may need to be removed if they cause discomfort, irritation, or complications such as infection, restricted movement, or tendon irritation.
At Ashford Orthopedics Specialists, we specialize in hardware removal and post care. Learn more about hardware removal here.
During your examination with Dr. Ashford, he will go over your medical history and ask questions regarding your health. He will also listen to and address any concern you might have.
If you are experiencing ankle pain and would like more information about sprains and fractures, call Ashford Orthopedic Specialists or book a personalized appointment online today.