The ankle is a joint that provides both up-and-down and side-to-side movement in the foot. It also supports the foot, absorbs shock and assists in overall balance and motion. Puget Sound Orthopaedics (PSO) foot and ankle surgeons use the most advanced surgical and nonsurgical treatments including braces, orthotics and minimally invasive surgery to help patients get back on their feet.
The ankle is made up of three (3) bones: the tibia (shinbone), fibula (the smaller of the two bones in the lower leg) and talus (a bone that sits above the heel bone). Ligaments surrounding the ankle joint and all of the ankle bones bind the ankle to the foot. Walking, running and jumping are supported by the Achilles tendon, the largest tendon in the human body that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and can withstand great stress.
While arthritis can take many forms, osteoarthritis (“wear-and-tear”) can cause inflammation of one or more of the joints in the ankle. Left untreated the joints can lose their normal shape and lead to more pain and further limitations. Rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis also are types of arthritis that can affect the ankle.
An ankle joint fracture can occur in any of the three ankle bones (more typically the bones in the lower leg) when the ankle is twisted, rolled or impacted by a trip or fall.
Ankle sprains are common in people of all ages and occur when one of the ligaments in the ankle is damaged. The ligaments on the outside of the ankle are more often sprained from an accidental twist or turn of the foot. Ankle sprains are usually minor and can be treated with the R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, elevation) protocol. A high ankle sprain involves an injured ligament that joins the two lower leg bones and may take longer to heal than a true ankle sprain.
Achilles tendinitis – an inflammation of the tendon usually caused by overuse
Shin splints – When the muscles, tendons and bone tissue around the shin bone become inflamed and painful
Seek medical treatment from a foot and ankle specialist if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
Your doctor will discuss all treatment options with you. The best treatment for your injury or condition will be determined in combination with your overall health.
There are several nonoperative treatment options for ankle pain. These might include physical therapy, pain management in the form of over-the-counter or prescribed medications and/or anti-inflammatories and braces. If surgery is necessary, PSO foot and ankle specialists can perform a wide variety of procedures ranging from minimally invasive to major reconstruction such as ankle replacement.
An ankle sprain is a condition where the ankle is moved outside of its appropriate range of motion. When stressed beyond this point the ligaments that help support the ankle can tear from the strain. Sprained ankles can range from minor to more severe injuries and without the appropriate care sprains can reoccur, leading to […]
Shin splints are the given term for pain radiating along the tibia or the shin. Shin splints are most commonly associated with exercise as they tend to occur during physical activities where the bone and muscle are over stressed from a repetitive activity such as running. Changes in physical activity regiments can attribute to stronger […]
