Pain in the front of the ankle can take many forms and be the result of sudden injuries to gradual onset discomfort. Tibialis anterior tendinopathy, a common cause of gradual onset pain, involves inflammation or degeneration of the tendon at the front of the ankle. Its symptoms include pain while pulling the foot upward, swelling, redness, and creaking sensations. Ankle impingement occurs when a bony growth restricts normal movement. This may be caused by an ankle sprain, incurring pain that is made worse whenever you flex your foot. High ankle sprains, typically more severe than common sprains, involve a tear of the anterior tibiofibular ligament, leading to pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. Diagnosis of anterior ankle pain involves a thorough case history and physical examination by a podiatrist. This exam may include active, passive, and resisted movements to assess range of motion and identify pain triggers. For help with pain in the front of the ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and effective treatment.
Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
- Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
- Ankle sprains
- Broken ankles
- Achilles tendinitis
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Stress fractures
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Plantar fasciitis
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Rockwall, Greenville, Dallas, and Sachse, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
