---
title: Diagnosing and Treating Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain
description: Diagnosing and Treating Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain at Texas Foot Surgeons.
---

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# Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain

# Ankle Pain on Outside of Foot

## What could be my problem?

Recurring or chronic pain on the outer side of the ankle, known as Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain

## What causes Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain?

- An injury to the nerves that pass through the ankle. The nerves may be stretched, torn, injured by a direct blow or pinched under pressure (entrapment)
- A torn or inflamed tendon
- Arthritis of the ankle joint
- A fracture in one of the bones that make up the ankle joint
- An inflammation of the joint lining (synovium)
- The development of scar tissue in the ankle after a sprain; the scar tissue takes up space in the ankle joint thus putting pressure in the ligaments

## When to see a foot doctor about Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain:

- Ankle pain, usually on the outer side, may be so intense that you have difficulty walking or participating in sports; pain can be a constant, dull ache.
- Difficulty walking on uneven ground or in high heels
- A feeling of giving way (instability) in the ankle joint
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Repeated ankle sprains

## If I have Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain, what are my treatment options?

### Non-Surgical:

- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy
- Ankle brace
- Steroid injection therapy
- In the case of fracture, immobilization to allow the bone to heal

### Surgical:

When conservative ankle paint treatment does not relieve the pain, surgery may be recommended, including:

- Removing (excising) loose fragments
- Cleaning (debriding) the joint or joint surface
- Repairing or reconstructing the ligaments or transferring tendons

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