What conditions cause ankle and leg pain?
Ankle Sprain
An ankle sprain is an injury to one or more ligaments in the ankle. Ligaments are bands of tissue—like rubber bands—that connect one bone to another and bind the joints together. The severity of an ankle sprain depends on whether the ligament is stretched, partially torn or completely torn.
Symptoms of an Ankle Sprain:
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Pain or soreness
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Swelling
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Bruising
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Difficulty walking
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Stiffness in the joint
Treatment:
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Early physical therapy
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Oral pain and anti-inflammatory medications
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Surgery (in severe cases to repair ligaments)
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Rest
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Ice
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Compression
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Elevation
Ankle Fractures
A fracture is a partial or complete break in a bone, most often caused by the ankle rolling inward or outward. Many people mistake an ankle fracture for an ankle sprain (although they can occur simultaneously).
Symptoms of an Ankle Fracture:
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Pain
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Swelling
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Blisters
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Bruising
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Inability to walk
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Bone protruding through the skin
Treatment:
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Rest
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Ice
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Compression
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Elevation
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Immobilization using a cast or splint
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Prescription medications
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Surgery (in severe cases)
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Orthotics
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Night splints
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Physical therapy
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Surgery (if nonsurgical approaches fail)
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Immobilization using a cast or removable walking boot
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Ice
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Oral pain and anti-inflammatory medications
Achilles Tendon Disorders
The Achilles tendon is a band of tissue that connects a muscle to a bone. It runs down the back of the lower leg and connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Also called the heel cord, the Achilles tendon facilitates walking by helping to raise the heel off the ground.
Symptoms of Achilles Tendon Disorder:
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Pain—aching, stiffness, soreness
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Tenderness/intense pain when sides of tendon squeezed
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Enlarged/nodules (with degeneration)
Treatment:
Peroneal Tendon Injuries
Peroneal tendon injuries may be acute (occurring suddenly) or chronic (developing over a period of time). They most commonly occur in individuals who participate in sports that involve repetitive ankle motion. In addition, people with higher arches are at risk for developing peroneal tendon injuries. Basic types of peroneal tendon injuries are tendonitis, tears and subluxation.
Symptoms of Peroneal Tendon Injuries:
Tendonitis (inflammation of tendons)…
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Pain
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Swelling
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Warm to the touch
Sudden tears…
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Pain
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Swelling
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Weakness or instability of the foot and ankle
Degenerative tears…
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Sporadic pain on outside of ankle
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Weakness or instability in ankle
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Increase in arch height
Subluxation (tendons slipped out of position)...
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Snapping feeling around ankle bone
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Sporadic pain behind outside ankle bone
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Ankle instability or weakness
Treatment:
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Immobilization using a cast or splint
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Oral pain and anti-inflammatory medications
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Physical therapy
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Bracing
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Surgery (when repair is needed)
Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction
Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is caused by changes in the tendon, impairing its ability to support the arch, resulting in flattening of the foot. It typically occurs in only one foot and is usually progressive, meaning it will keep getting worse, especially if not treated early. Caused by overuse through running, walking, hiking or climbing stairs.
Symptoms of PTTD:
Early…
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Pain on inside of foot and ankle
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Swelling
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Flattening of arch and inward rolling of ankle
Advanced…
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Pain on outside of foot and ankle
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Foot and toes turning outward
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Ankle rolling inward
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Arthritis
Treatment:
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Orthotic devices or bracing
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Immobilization using a short-leg cast or boot
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Physical therapy
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Oral pain and anti-inflammatory medications
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Shoe modifications to improve arch support
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Surgery (may be necessary if not treated early)
