Causes of ankle pain

The ankle pain can be caused by acute injury, overuse or chronic structural problems. It is a fundamental joint for gait, balance and stability, so any alteration can significantly affect mobility. The most common causes of ankle pain include:

Traumatic injuries

  • Ankle sprain (strain or tear of the ligaments, especially the external lateral ligament)
  • Bone fractures
  • Dislocations or subluxations joints
  • Contusions or bruises after impacts

Overuse or wear and tear injuries

  • Tendonitis of the Achilles or peroneal tendon
  • Plantar fasciitis (although it affects more the foot, it can cause pain radiating to the ankle).
  • Anterior or posterior ankle impingement syndrome
  • Retrocalcaneal bursitis
  • Ankle osteoarthritisespecially after poorly recovered injuries
  • Biomechanical or structural alterations
  • Chronic ankle instability
  • Flat or cavus foot without correction
  • Dysmetria or gait disturbances
  • Poor plantar support (detectable by means of a study of the footprint)

Ankle and foot pain symptoms

The symptoms of ankle and foot pain vary with the cause vary depending on the cause, but usually include:

  • Localized pain on the inside, outside, front or back of the ankle
  • Swelling, redness or temperature increase
  • Difficulty to support or walk normally
  • Sensation of ankle instability or “failure” of the ankle
  • Joint stiffness or locking
  • Pain that increases with physical activity or going up/down stairs
  • In the foot: pain in the sole (especially when standing up), in the heel or in the arch.
  • Tingling or numbness if nerve involvement is present

Persistent or recurrent pain may indicate a poorly healed injury or a functional impairment that needs specialized treatment.

Types of ankle and foot pain

Ankle osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis of the ankle involves degeneration of the articular surfaces that form it: the articular aspect of the tibia, the talus and the fibula. This wear and tear, in addition to pain, causes limitations of movement, especially when walking. Its development is slow and the pain appears little by little and worsens with the passage of time. As there is no cure, we must stop its deterioration and provide the ideal conditions for it to last for many years.

Although it is not as frequent as the hip or knee joint, it is very limiting due to its role as a great shock absorber of the lower extremity. This function is performed thanks to the talus, which is the main focus of wear in the joint.

For more information click here.

Ankle bursitis

Bursae are small sac-like structures that are placed between muscles, tendons and ligaments allowing their displacement. Some hip injuries produce ankle bursitis, which involves an inflammation of these structures producing significant and intense pain.

For more information click here.

Morton's neuroma

Foot pain due to Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflammation of one of the nerves that runs through the foot and is called plantar digital nerve.
It is one of the most common causes of pain in the front of the foot and sometimes its intensity leads to the sufferer not being able to put on shoes or support the affected foot.

For more information click here.

How to treat ankle and foot pain

At MIVI Health we perform a comprehensive approach to treat ankle and foot pain, adapting the treatment to each patient according to the diagnosis and their level of activity.

1. Medical and physiotherapeutic assessment

  • Analysis of gait and support
  • Stability, mobility and strength tests
  • Musculoskeletal ultrasound if necessary.
  • Referral for advanced imaging tests (radiography, MRI) in complex cases.

Specialized physiotherapy

  • Manual therapy and joint mobilization
  • Strengthening and proprioception exercises to avoid relapses
  • Dry needling or percutaneous electrolysis (EPI) in tendinopathies
  • Treatment of fasciae, ligaments and trigger points
  • Re-education of the footprint and postural correction
  • Specific stretching and functional motor control

3. Interventional treatments

In cases of persistent pain, we apply advanced techniques:

  • Ultrasound-guided infiltrations with anti-inflammatory drugs or hyaluronic acid
  • Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) for chronic tendinopathies
  • Nerve blocks or radiofrequency in selected cases of neuropathic pain

Recover mobility at MIVI Salud

Ankle or foot pain that does not improve? At MIVI Salud we help you to walk without pain and recover your quality of life. We have an expert team in physiotherapy, pain and biomechanics that will work with you from day one.

Accurate diagnosis

Personalized treatments

Complete functional reeducation

Make an appointment and start moving without limitations.

Here begins your life without pain

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