Ankle Pain
The ankle plays an important role in movement, bearing the body’s weight as it moves from one place to the next. Ankle pain can make everyday activities difficult, especially if an injury is to blame.
While mild ankle discomfort often responds well to home treatment, more severe pain may require a trip to a pain management physician. Here at Pain Specialists of Charleston, our board-certified physicians are equipped to diagnose the cause of your ankle pain and help you find much-needed relief.
To ensure our patients receive care that is both top-notch and timely, we’re open five days a week. Get in touch today to schedule your appointment!
No Referral Needed — Same Day Appointments — Accepting New Patients
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SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
- Pain, especially when bearing body weight
- Tenderness upon contact
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Decreased range of motion
- Instability
- Popping feeling or sound at the time of injury
Common symptoms of a broken ankle include:
- Immediate and severe pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness upon contact
- Inability to bear any weight
- Deformity (often when the ankle joint is dislocated)
- Numbness and cooling sensation
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
While minor ankle pain may be inconvenient, most cases are temporary and resolve on their own. Severe pain, however, requires treatment from a trusted specialist. If you’re experiencing serious pain or chronic discomfort, schedule a visit to your local pain management physician as soon as possible.
If your pain is the result of trauma or injury, like a major fall or car crash, get to the emergency room right away – especially if you can’t move your ankle or suspect a broken bone. Visit the ER immediately if you’re experiencing these symptoms of a broken ankle:
- Severe ankle pain
- Faintness or dizziness
- Change in shape of your ankle or foot
- Ankle at unusual angle
- Snap, grinding, or popping noise at the time of injury
- Inability to walk
CAUSES
Injured Ankle Pain
Ankle pain is a common condition with many possible causes, including the following:
- Sports injuries
- Sprains
- Tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Achilles tendon injuries
- Ankle fractures
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS)
- Sinus tarsi syndrome
- Sural nerve entrapment (pinched nerve)
Non-Injury Ankle Pain
Any medical condition that affects the joints can result in ankle pain, such as:
- Foot and ankle arthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Lupus
- Flat feet
- High arch feet
- Infections that form or spread in the ankles
RISK FACTORS
Patients face a higher risk of spraining an ankle if any of these apply:
Prior ankle injury
You’re more likely to sprain an ankle if you’ve experienced an ankle injury in the past.
Sports participation
Ankle sprains are commonly experienced in sports like basketball, tennis, football, and soccer.
Poor fitness level
Those lacking ankle strength or flexibility may face an increased risk of a sprain.
Uneven surfaces
Walking or running on uneven surfaces or subpar field conditions may result in an ankle sprain.
Improper shoes
Shoes that don’t fit or aren’t sensible for the activity at hand put the ankles at risk.
AVOID THESE THINGS WITH ANKLE PAIN
Long periods on your feet
Walking or standing for a long time may worsen ankle pain.
Strenuous activity
Running, jumping, playing sports, etc. should be avoided to prevent further injury.
High heels
Wearing shoes with high heels puts additional pressure on the ankle.
Heat application
Heat sources, like hot baths or heating pads, should be avoided – especially in the day immediately following the onset of pain.
Excessive weight bearing
Putting too much weight on your ankle, particularly if you suspect a sprain or fracture.
Ignoring pain
Continuing significant pain can do serious damage and prolong your recovery.
Improper footwear
Be sure to wear shoes that fit correctly and are appropriate for the occasion.
Alcohol consumption
Drinking alcohol can increase swelling and make healing more difficult.
DIAGNOSIS
Physical Exam:
At Pain Specialists of Charleston, your first visit will include a thorough evaluation that includes your medical history and a physical examination pertinent to your pain problem. This comprehensive visit with your pain specialist will last approximately 30 minutes.
MRI Scan:
Our team offers board-certified radiologists to examine your body for medical conditions using advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The scan is a noninvasive medical imaging test that will show detailed images of the inner structure of your body, including bones, muscles, organs to blood vessels. No referral needed!
TREATMENT
At Pain Specialists of Charleston, our board-certified team offers pain management treatment in the form of:
- Epidural Steroid Injection including cervical, thoracic, and lumbar injections
- Joint Injections including knee, shoulder, and hip injections
- Caudal Epidural Injection
- Hip Joint Injection
- Lumbar Sympathetic Block
- Facet Joint Injection
- Medial Branch Block
- Radiofrequency Ablation (Rhizotomy)
- Sacroiliac Joint Injection
- Discography
- Neurostimulation, also known as Spinal Cord Stimulation
- Stellate Ganglion Block
- Transforaminal Selective Nerve Root Block Injection
- Medical Massage Therapy
- Clinical Trials
- …and MORE!
MEET DOCTOR EDWARD M. TAVEL, JR., MD
- Over 20+ Years of Specialty Training
- Double Board-Certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Management
AWARDS & ASSOCIATIONS
AS SEEN ON
CONDITIONS WE MANAGE
- Knee Pain
- Chest Pain
- Shoulder Pain
- Back Pain
- Hip Pain
- Elbow Pain
- Neck Pain
- Nerve Pain
- Sports Medicine
- & More
TREATMENTS WE OFFER
- Acupuncture
- Biofeedback
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Massage
- Meditation
- & More
WHY CHOOSE US
At Pain Specialists of Charleston, we strive to provide an unmatched healthcare experience – one focused on finding relief. With this goal guiding our pain management physicians, we prioritize the following:
Compassionate and Comprehensive Care
Our practice takes a multidisciplinary approach to pain care that puts patients first. We’re proud to offer a full range of pain management procedures and treatments, including physical therapy, medical massage therapy, pain psychology, medication management, and more.
Timely Treatment
Because many of our patients suffer from severe pain, we’re committed to scheduling appointments as quickly as possible. This ensures the speedy start of a treatment plan to relieve and/or manage their pain.
Access to Safe Pain Management
Pain Specialists of Charleston offers a higher level of healthcare, performing all interventional procedures to meet strict, sterile standards and rigorously comply with all FDA, CDC, state, and federal medical safety guidelines.
Quality Care
Our providers are not only prominent leaders in the field of pain management, but advocates for the Charleston, SC patients we so proudly serve. It’s our exceptional care that sets us apart and earns our patients’ trust.
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FAQS
WHAT IS A QUICK WAY TO RELIEVE ANKLE PAIN?
Our pain management physicians recommend the RICE method. Here’s how it works:
- Rest: Avoid the specific activity that caused the ankle injury and try not to stress the joint while it heals.
- Ice: Try a cold compress or ice pack for 15 minutes at a time, a few times a day.
- Compression: An elastic bandage is a great way to reduce swelling, but be sure it isn’t too tight.
- Elevation: Prop your ankle above heart level as often as possible.
WHY DO I HAVE PAIN IN THE SIDE OF MY ANKLE?
There are several injuries and medical conditions that may cause pain in or around your ankles.
Peroneal tendonitis, the inflammation of the tendons that run along the outer ankle bone and side of your foot, can cause ankle pain. Posterior tibial tendonitis, the inflammation of one of the tendons that runs along the inside of the ankle and foot, may result in pain on the inside of the ankle or foot.
Any other injury or condition that causes general ankle pain can also make the sides of your ankles hurt. Visit a healthcare provider no matter where you’re feeling ankle pain if the RICE method or taking NSAIDs at home doesn’t relieve the pain after a few days.
WHAT IS OFTEN MISTAKEN AS A SPRAINED ANKLE?
A broken ankle may be disguised as a sprain, even after an X-ray. But failing to receive proper treatment could lead to more pain, joint damage, and decreased mobility in the future. That’s why it’s so important to visit your local pain management physician as soon as possible.
WHAT IS A BROKEN ANKLE?
A broken ankle involves a fracture (or multiple fractures) of one or more of the bones in the ankle joint – the tibia (shinbone), fibula (outer bone of the lower leg), and talus.
WHAT DOES A BROKEN ANKLE FEEL LIKE?
If the pain continues to worsen after an injury, the ankle may be broken. Pain accompanied by numbness may point to a fracture. The ankle’s position may also indicate whether or not it is broken. For instance, if the ankle points at an unusual angle, it is likely broken. But if it remains straight, an ankle sprain is more probable.
WHAT IS ANKLE ARTHRITIS?
Ankle arthritis is the deterioration of the cartilage in the joint. This may be caused by trauma, an autoimmune disease, or an infection.
WHAT DOES ANKLE ARTHRITIS FEEL LIKE?
Patients with ankle arthritis often experience stiffness or a limited range of motion, swelling, tenderness around the joint, and/or skin discoloration.
WHAT IS ANKLE TENDONITIS?
Foot or ankle tendonitis refers to the tendon inflammation that often results from the ankle’s repetitive motion.
WHAT DOES ANKLE TENDONITIS FEEL LIKE?
Ankle tendonitis causes pain (sharp or dull) in the foot or ankle.
WHAT IS ANKLE GOUT?
Gout, a kind of inflammatory arthritis that affects millions, is caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. Symptoms include severe pain, redness, and swelling.
WHAT DOES ANKLE GOUT FEEL LIKE?
Those experiencing an acute gout attack report a sudden onset of pain in the affected joint, followed by swelling, reddish discoloration, a warming sensation, and soreness.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT AT PAIN SPECIALISTS OF CHARLESTON?
Here at Pain Specialists of Charleston, our goal is to help you reclaim your quality of life. Because identifying the source of your pain is the first step to becoming pain-free, we perform a thorough evaluation before charting the best course of treatment. What Should I Bring?
ARE YOU ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS?
Yes. Our pain management center is open to new patients, so give us a call today or request an appointment online.
DOES PAIN SPECIALISTS OF CHARLESTON REQUIRE A REFERRAL?
No. We gladly accept self-made appointments as well as referral appointments. To best serve our patients, we’re available five days a week – no referral needed! Schedule your first appointment today!
DOES PAIN SPECIALISTS OF CHARLESTON OFFER SAME-DAY APPOINTMENTS?
Yes, Pain Specialists of Charleston does offer same-day appointments. We strive to provide care that is both quality and convenient, so we’re open five days a week. If slots are available, we’ll even get you in to see one of our board-certified pain doctors the same day you contact us. Get in touch today to check open availability!
HOW LONG IS A PAIN MANAGEMENT APPOINTMENT?
This comprehensive visit with your pain management physician will last approximately 30 minutes. Depending on your condition, we may recommend a combination of procedures and/or therapies to reach your goals and enjoy a life free of pain.
We believe in educating our patients and empowering them with the ability to decrease their pain. What else should new patients expect?
Sources: Mayo Clinic: Ankle Pain, Cleveland Clinic: Ankle Pain, and OrthoInfo: Ankle Fractures.
