Ankle Pain

Fractures, strains, sprains, and muscle injuries are just some of the causes of ankle pain. Because it's important to get a thorough diagnosis and treatment plan for your ankle pain, visit board-certified podiatrist Angelo Morreale, DPM, at The Foot Institute in Shreveport and Natchitoches, Louisiana. Dr. Morreale's team can get you in for a visit when it's convenient for you. Call the office or book your appointment online.

What causes ankle pain?

It's common to have ankle pain after an injury, like if you have a bad slip and fall or strain yourself while running. Ankle injuries can include:

• Broken bones
• Tendon or ligament tears
• Soft tissue strains or sprains
• Stress fractures

Not all ankle pain stems from an injury, though. Sometimes ankle pain comes from a more chronic condition like:

• Tendinitis
• Bursitis
• Gout
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Plantar fasciitis  
• Fluid buildup and swelling
• Poor blood flow

How does a doctor find the cause of ankle pain?

When you meet with Dr. Morreale, he'll review your medical history, ask about your current symptoms, and determine what makes your pain worse or better. Once he has a clearer understanding of where you're having pain and when he'll probably take some X-ray images right in his office and examine you.

By the time Dr. Morreale looks over your ankle and evaluates your X-rays, he can generally diagnose you on the spot. With soft tissue injuries, including high ankle sprains, it can be tricky to get a complete diagnosis without further imaging. In these cases, Dr. Morreale might have to send you to get an MRI or CT scan before diagnosing you. Rest assured, he'll get to the root of what's causing your ankle pain and get you set up on a treatment plan.

Which treatments are available for ankle pain?

Once you have a diagnosis, Dr. Morreale can start treating the source of your ankle pain. For injuries, including sprains and fractures, you might need a brace or cast. Most injuries also require you to go through physical therapy to rebuild strength in your foot and ankle.

Steroid injections can improve some ankle conditions. These types of shots can also reduce ankle pain caused by injury, arthritis, certain chronic conditions, and even fractures.

If you have a severe issue or injury that requires ankle surgery, Dr. Morreale will let you know. 

Because he is board-certified in podiatric surgery and has extensive surgical experience, he can permanently resolve your ankle pain. Call the office today or request an appointment online.