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