Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain Doctor in Michiana, Northern Indiana, and Southwest Michigan Area

Chronic lateral ankle pain, or constant pain in both ankles, can hold you back from what you love doing. Chronic lateral ankle pain often develops over time, impacting mobility and could indicate joint damage. Lateral means the pain is in both ankles, and chronic means the pain has lasted long or recurs frequently. 

What Causes Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain?

There are several different causes of chronic lateral ankle pain. Ankle pain occurs when the ligaments that support and stabilize the ankle joint become inflamed by injury or inflammatory condition. Causes of chronic lateral ankle pain include:

  • Osteoarthritis of the ankle joint that causes swelling, clicking, grinding, and inflammation, resulting in the breakdown of the joint
  • Sprains or strains of the ligaments that support the ankle joint
  • Tendonitis caused by an inflammation of the tendons from overuse 
  • Stress fractures caused by high-impact repetitive stress to the joint
  • History of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
  • History of ankle injury or fracture

If you’re experiencing chronic lateral ankle pain impacting your daily life, talk to your doctor. To help diagnose the cause of your chronic lateral ankle pain, your doctor asks about your medical history and examines your ankles and feet to test for flexion, mobility, and range of motion. Be sure to tell your doctor about any acute or recent injuries to the ankle or foot so they can make an informed diagnosis. Your doctor may order imaging such as an X-ray or MRI to get a clear view of your ankle joints to assess the type and depth of tendon and ligament damage.

What Are The Symptoms of Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain:

Frequent, recurring pain on the inside or outside of the ankle joint is the primary symptom of chronic ankle pain. For some patients, the pain can be mild; for others, it can be severe. Other common symptoms of chronic lateral ankle pain include:

  • Swelling
  • Stiffness
  • Tenderness
  • Frequent ankle sprains or strains
  • Instability of the ankle joints, impacting your balance
  • Difficulty walking on flat and uneven surfaces

What is the Treatment for Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain

Once you have a diagnosis for your chronic lateral ankle pain, you and your orthopedic team can create a treatment plan. Treatment for chronic lateral ankle pain includes:

  • Pain management with both over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication or prescription medication, such as steroids, to relieve inflammation and pain
  • Physical therapy to help strengthen and improve flexibility in the joints
  • Orthotics or shoe inserts help provide cushioning and reduce pressure on the joints. 
  • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by staying active and stretching

Lateral Ankle Pain Treatment in Indiana

If you are dealing with chronic bilateral ankle pain, our team, OSMC, is ready to help you regain mobility and help treat your pain. If you have been experiencing the above symptoms, our expert physicians are here to help you get to the root of your pain. Call us at (574) 821-5919 to schedule an appointment, or click here to schedule your appointment online. We serve patients from Elkhart, IN, Goshen, IN, Granger, IN, Middlebury, IN, and Nappanee, IN.