Often after injuries such as ankle sprain; A recurring and persistent (chronic) pain develops over the outer (lateral) edge of the ankle. However, many other conditions can also cause chronic ankle pain.
Signs and Symptoms
- Pain, mostly on the outer edge of the ankle. The pain may become so intense that it becomes difficult for you to walk or participate in sports. In some cases, the pain is a monotonous pain that does not change.
- Difficulty walking on uneven, uneven ground or with high heels
- Instability in the joint (feeling of the ankle slipping away)
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Tenderness
- Recurrent ankle sprains
Possible Causes of Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain
The most common cause of a constantly painful ankle is incomplete healing after an ankle sprain. When you sprain your ankle, the connective tissues (ligaments) between the bones can be stretched or torn. Incomplete and careless rehabilitation (improvement); It results in weakness of the ligament or the muscles surrounding it and recurring instability. As a result, you may experience recurring ankle injuries. Other causes of chronic ankle pain include:
- An injury to the nerve passing through the ankle joint. Nerves can be stretched, torn, damaged or compressed under pressure by direct drag. (entrapment)
- Tear or red and swollen (inflamed) tendon
- Arthritis of the ankle joint
- Breakage (fracture) of one of the bones that make up the ankle joint
- Inflammation of the protective snovia in the joint
- Development of scar tissue after ankle sprain. Scar tissue fills the space within the joint and thus puts pressure on the ligaments.
Evaluation and Diagnosis
The first step in identifying the cause of chronic ankle joint pain is to take a history of the condition. Your doctor may ask many questions, such as:
- Have you ever injured your ankle? If so, when?
- What kind of treatment did you receive for the injury?
- How long did you have the pain? What happened?
- When did your pain get worse or disappear?
Because; There are many potential causes for chronic ankle pain. Your doctor may perform a series of tests, starting with a physical examination, to pinpoint a diagnosis. Your doctor will feel tender areas and look for signs of swelling. Your doctor will evaluate the flexibility and range of motion of your foot and ankle. Your doctor may test the sensation of the nerves and try a local anesthetic, which helps pinpoint the source of symptoms. Your doctor may order several films of your ankle joint. Your doctor will also need a film of your other ankle to compare the injured and uninjured joints. In some cases, additional tests such as bone scan, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance image (MRI) may be needed.
Treatment
Treatment should be guided by the final diagnosis and your individual needs. .. Both conservative (non-surgical) and surgical treatment methods can be used. Conservative treatment includes the following.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs that thin the blood and reduce swelling
- Tilt-board to improve and strengthen the muscles, restore the range of motion and increase the understanding of the position of your joint. Physical therapy including (bending plank) exercises
- An ankle brace (wrist brace) or other support
- A Steroid medication injection
- In cases of fractures to allow the fracture to heal immobilization
If your condition requires it or if conservative treatment does not provide relief, your doctor may recommend surgery. Many surgical procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. Some methods are performed using arthroscopic techniques; others require open surgery. Rehabilitation can take 6-10 weeks to ensure proper healing. Surgical treatment options include:
- Removal (cutting out) of loose parts
- Cleaning of the joint surface (removal of dead tissue)
- Repair or reconstruction of ligaments or transfer of tendons
Prevention:
Pretty much, once Half of people who sprain an ankle will develop chronic pain and will also experience other sprains. To prevent chronic pain from developing, you can help by taking these simple steps:
- Follow the doctor's instructions carefully and complete a recommended physical therapy program.
- Your doctor may advise you against activity until you are sure do not go back.
- When you return to sports, use a supported wristband instead of bandaging your ankle. A padded ankle brace is more effective in preventing ankle sprains than an ankle bandage.
- If you are using high-top shoes, be sure to tie the laces properly and completely.
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