Ankle Pain — Causes, Evaluation & Treatment by Foot & Ankle Specialists

Ankle pain is more than a nuisance — it can sideline you from work, workouts, or even daily tasks. At About Feet Podiatry Center, we focus exclusively on foot and ankle care, so we understand the complexity here better than generalists. We don’t treat knees or hips — your ankle is our specialty.

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Why Your Ankle Hurts

The ankle is a complex structure made of:

  • Bones (talus, tibia, fibula)
  • Ligaments that stabilize motion
  • Tendons that power movement
  • Cartilage and joint surfaces
  • Surrounding soft tissues (muscles, bursae, nerves)

When one or more elements are damaged—or when joint mechanics go off—it can result in pain, swelling, stiffness, instability, or limited range of motion.

Some common causes include:

  • Ankle sprains / ligament tears — from twists, falls, sports
  • Chronic instability — when sprains don’t heal properly
  • Arthritis / degenerative joint changes
  • Tendonitis / tendon tears — e.g. posterior tibial tendon, peroneal tendons
  • Stress fractures or bone injuries
  • Impingement syndromes — when soft tissues get pinched
  • Cartilage damage / osteochondral lesions
  • Biomechanical problems — alignment issues, leg length differences, gait abnormalities

If pain persists, worsens, or limits your life, it’s not just “part of aging” — you deserve real diagnosis and treatment.

Our Evaluation Process

We don’t guess. We assess:

  1. Detailed History & Symptoms

    When did the pain start? What makes it better or worse? What’s your activity level?

  2. Physical Exam & Functional Testing

    We check stability, strength, alignment, range of motion, and gait/biomechanics.

  3. Imaging & Diagnostics

    X-rays, MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound as needed to spot fractures, cartilage damage, tendon issues, or joint changes.

  4. Diagnosis & Discussion of Options

    Once we know what’s wrong, we walk you through possible paths: conservative care, minimally invasive procedures, or reconstructive foot and ankle surgery.

How We Treat Ankle Pain

We don’t force a one-size-fits-all plan. Our goal is to restore stability, motion, and function, while minimizing downtime. Treatment paths we often use:

  • Rest, activity modification & bracing / support
  • Physical therapy & rehab — strength, flexibility, proprioception
  • Custom orthotics & gait correction
  • Minimally invasive surgery for select conditions

Traditional foot & ankle surgery, including:

  • Tendon repair
  • Ligament reconstruction
  • Fracture repair / bone fixation
  • Joint realignment or fusion
  • Ankle arthroscopy (ankle scope) for cartilage damage, impingement, or loose bodies

We’ll recommend the approach that gives you the best long-term result, not just the easiest fix.

When You Should See Us (Don’t Wait)

Call or come see us if:

  • Pain hasn’t improved in 1–2 weeks
  • You can’t fully bear weight or limp significantly
  • Ankle feels unstable or “gives way”
  • Swelling, bruising, or warmth doesn’t subside
  • You’ve had repeated sprains or injuries in the same ankle
  • You’re active in sports and want to prevent recurrence

Waiting too long often means more damage, more complicated repair, and longer recovery.

Why Choose About Feet Podiatry Center Over Orthopedic Groups

  • Foot & ankle is all we do — not knees or hips
  • Deep surgical expertise — we are trained in minimally invasive and reconstructive foot & ankle techniques
  • In-office surgical capabilities — many procedures are done in our own facility
  • Faster access, direct path — unlike large health systems with long wait times, we can often see you within days
  • Continuity & personalization — you deal with the same team from diagnosis through surgery and rehab

When your movement, mobility, or daily life is affected, you don’t want a generalist — you want those who live in the foot and ankle world every day.

Get Back to Walking Without Pain

Don’t let ankle issues linger and worsen. We’re here to diagnose, explain, and treat — from non-invasive options to reconstructive surgery when necessary.
📞 Call (610) 524-3338

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