Waukesha Area Foot Specialists Explain Outer Ankle Pain Causes and Treatment Options
he most common thing our Waukesha area foot specialists hear from patients are:
- Outer ankle pain while running
- Outer ankle pain after walking
- Outer ankle pain after cycling
- Outer ankle pain when flexing or pointing toes
- Outer ankle pain at night or in the morning
- Outer ankle pain going down stairs
Outside ankle pain is also common after an injury, like a sprained ankle. However, there can be many other causes for outer ankle pain, including:
Outer Ankle Pain Causes
- Flat Feet
- Nerve damage in the ankle
- Torn or inflamed tendon
- Arthritis of the ankle joint
- Bone fracture in the ankle joint
- Inflammation of the joint lining
- Scar tissue in the ankle after a sprain
Outer ankle pain can be severe, sharp or dull and constant. It can be difficult to bear weight and ankle instability is often an issue. Patients with outside ankle pain often experience swelling, stiffness and tenderness.
Outer Ankle Pain from a Sprain
Ankle sprains are the most common cause of outer ankle pain. An ankle sprain will stretch or tear ligaments. Without proper healing the ligaments and tissues remain weak, resulting in ongoing instability and more ankle sprains.
Outer Ankle Pain Treatments: Non-Surgical and Surgical
Depending on the nature and severity of your outer ankle pain, there are a variety of conservative non-surgical treatment options, as well as surgical options.
- Anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen to reduce swelling
- Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and restore range of motion
- Use an ankle brace or custom orthotics
- Steroid injections
If conservative treatments prove ineffective, surgery may be a suitable course of action.
Our foot surgeons in Waukesha and Milwaukee area may use surgery to:
- Remove loose bone fragments
- Clean the ankle joint
- Repair and rebuild ligaments
- Transfer tendons
After ankle surgery, be sure to follow all instructions from our Waukesha foot doctor to ensure you heal completely. Do not resume sports activity until cleared by your physician.
Most foot surgeries can be done on an outpatient basis. Some use arthroscopic techniques, others require open surgery. Ankle surgery recovery time can take 6 to 10 weeks for proper healing.
The Foot Doctors Waukesha, WI and Surrounding Areas Trust for Accurate Diagnosis and Highly Effective Treatment Options
Our foot doctors in Waukesha area and Milwaukee accurately diagnose the source of your outer ankle pain, as well as provide a variety of surgical and non-surgical treatment options, including MLS laser therapy.
If you have chronic or severe ankle pain turn to the foot doctors Waukesha, WI and surrounding areas trust for accurate diagnosis, highly effective treatment methods and unparalleled patient care.
Great Midwest Foot and Ankle Centers has 3 conveniently located clinics in Southeast Wisconsin, including in Brookfield (Waukesha area), Franklin and Bayside (Milwaukee area). Just let us know which location is most convenient for you and we’ll do the rest!