Ankle Pain Specialist

Pro Sports and Elite Rehab

Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeons & Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeons located in Vero Beach, FL

Of all the possible athletic injuries, a sprained ankle is at the top of the list. Roughly 30,000 ankle sprains occur every day in the United States, making it the most common cause of ankle pain. The board-certified orthopedists at Pro Sports and Elite Rehab have helped many patients fully heal from the cause of their ankle pain using customized treatment that incorporates medical care, physical therapy, and regenerative medicine. Early treatment for ankle pain can prevent long-term ankle problems. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Vero Beach, Florida, today, or connect online to request an appointment.

Ankle Pain Q & A

What causes ankle pain?

Sprains are the most common cause of ankle pain. A sprain occurs when you stretch or tear one or more ankle ligaments. This can happen if you roll or twist your ankle, land on your foot awkwardly, or fall.

You’re more likely to sprain your ankle if you play sports that demand quick, cutting actions. At the same time, you can easily suffer a sprain while stepping off a curb.

Beyond sprains, other causes of ankle pain include arthritis, a fracture, and Achilles tendonitis. The ankle is also susceptible to stress fractures. A stress fracture occurs when repetitive movement causes a tiny crack or bruising in one of the ankle bones.

What symptoms accompany ankle pain?

Sprains and other ankle injuries usually do more than cause pain. You may also experience:

Swelling
Bruising
Instability
Numbness
Open wound
Inability to bear weight on your ankle

If any of these symptoms are severe, or they don’t improve in a few days, it’s time to have your ankle examined at Pro Sports and Elite Rehab. Without prompt treatment, you have a higher risk of developing chronic ankle instability.

How is ankle pain treated?

You can begin treatment at home by practicing the RICE protocol: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. These steps reduce inflammation, relieve the pain, and promote healing.

After your provider carefully examines your ankle, foot, and leg, they may take digital X-rays. Once they diagnose the cause of your pain, your treatment begins with conservative therapies.

You may need to avoid activities that put stress on your ankle, or your provider may immobilize your ankle with a brace, walking boot, or cast. They may also recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription anti-inflammatory medications.

If your inflammation and pain don’t improve with conservative therapies, you may benefit from an interventional procedure. For example, your provider may inject steroids into the joint.

Physical therapy and rehabilitation are key parts of your treatment. Your physical therapist uses a range of techniques to reduce swelling, strengthen your ankle, and restore its full range of motion.

If you have a complex fracture or a ruptured ligament, your Pro Sports and Elite Rehab provider may recommend surgery. Slow-healing soft tissue injuries may benefit from platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. PRP accelerates tissue regeneration and diminishes inflammation.

Early treatment for ankle pain lowers your risk of instability and future injuries. Don’t wait to call Pro Sports and Elite Rehab or book an appointment online.

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