Everyone knows the terrible feeling of rolling your ankle, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg of what can happen to it. From sudden twists to overuse injuries, ankle problems are some of the most common we see at New England Podiatry Associates.
Today, we’ll explore 5 types of ankle afflictions, including their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
1. Ankle Sprains
According to a 2019 PubMed study, about 2 million people each year sprain their ankle. This is not a surprise to us, as ankle sprains are injuries we commonly see. Not only are they ubiquitous in sports, but what’s so tricky about them is that they can occur during everyday activity. The ankle is fragile, and any sudden twists or turns can leave you on the ground writhing in pain.
2. Achilles Tendonitis
Here’s a shocking stat: nearly 1 in 5 athletes will sustain an Achilles tendonitis injury in their lifetimes. That’s because the Achilles tendon is susceptible to vigorous movement and repetitive strain from activities like running, jumping, or cutting.
3. Ankle Fractures
Often mistaken for ankle sprains, ankle fractures involve a break in one or more bones in the ankle joint, typically caused by falls, forceful impacts, or twisting injuries. The symptoms are classic: severe pain, swelling, bruising, and an inability to stand on the ankle. But the good news is that, depending on the severity, you may not require surgery.
4. Arthritis
According to the Arthritis Foundation, osteoarthritis of the ankle is fairly rare, affecting only about 1 to 12% of people. But that doesn’t mean arthritis of the foot is as hard to find. Generally, degenerative joints in the lower extremities can cause pain across the foot complex.
5. Chronic Ankle Instability
This condition often develops after repeated ankle sprains, which leads to persistent instability or a feeling of the ankle “giving way.” It can cause pain, recurrent sprains, and falls. However, physical therapy, bracing, or surgery to repair damaged ligaments are all valid treatment options.
At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, Dr. Catherine Jacobs, Dr. Joshua Ouellette, and Dr. Zachary Sax are always pleased to assist. We offer convenient locations in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at 617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280 to schedule an appointment.
