Ankle Pain

 Diseases

There are a wide variety of conditions that can lead to the unfortunate development of frequently recurring chronic ankle pain, including disease. There are several known diseases and conditions which can cause ankle pain (both as a main condition in itself and as a symptom of another, related condition). The purpose of this article is to describe to the reader a number of these diseases and conditions that can bring on ankle pain, and enable him or her to determine the proper course of treatment to deal with them.

 

There are several sources of ankle pain which involve the development over time of inflammatory types of arthritis. Symptoms of arthritis in the region of the ankle can include (but are not limited to) gouty arthritis, reactive arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Contrary to what many may generally believe regarding the common sources of ankle pain, these arthritic conditions are not generally brought about by a specific, traumatic injury. In fact, these conditions may develop gradually, over the course of repeated injuries which may be minor in of themselves, and thus neglected and left untreated.

 

In the case of these arthritic sources of ankle pain, a thorough evaluation, including a series of blood tests, by a medical professional may ultimately be required to obtain a correct diagnosis of one’s condition. The above mentioned sources of arthritic related ankle pain are known to give rise to many recognizable symptoms, including stiffness, redness, swelling, pain, and a feeling of uncomfortable warmth in the affected region. Each of these conditions has been shown to respond to a separate course of therapy and treatment, so the person living with constant arthritic ankle pain need not feel as if his condition is hopeless, or unmanageable.

 

There are other conditions that exist which can manifest in severe, recurring ankle pain. For example, tarsal tunner syndrome is frequently observable in persons who participate in competitive sports such as racquetball, soccer, and tennis. Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs as a result of nerve compression at the region of the ankle, which is caused by the nerve passing under the supportive band which surrounds the ankle, the flexor retinaculum, and becoming “pinched” or crushed as a result.

 

As far as becoming sources of ankle pain, infections are exceedingly rare, but occasionally do occur. Ankle infections are most commonly the result of a bacterial infection having been introduced into the ankle through puncture wounds, or a similar traumatic injury. Bacterial infections of the ankle can also develop through a breaking down of the skin due to ulceration or major abrasions or gashes. Individuals who suffer from auto-immune diseases such as AIDS are often at an increased risk of infection in many of the joints in their body, the ankle included. Persons suffering from diabetes, as well as those who may be required to take cortisone medications for previous injuries, are also at a heightened risk.

 

Bacterial joint infections, while a relatively uncommon diagnosis for the majority of persons who suffer from ankle pain, are a matter of medical urgency when they do occur, Treatment of this particular malady will usually require a course of antibiotics, as well as drainage of the wound itself.

 

Chronic ankle pain can also manifest as the result of a viral infection. This condition, known as “toxic synovitis”, occurs most often in children. This condition results in a temporary inflammation of the joints, and is normally first identified as causing limping. Toxic synovitis is normally resolved with symptomatic treatment for the relief of associated pain (for example, medications containing acetaminophen).

 

In conclusion, the causes of ankle pain are many and varied. If such pain is reoccurring or ongoing past a reasonable amount of time, medical help should be consulted immediately.