Your whole body is interconnected. Issues in one area or limb invariably affect the function and comfort of other places in the body as well. Imagine a door with three hinges. If one of the hinges breaks, the door will still function, but it probably won’t move as smoothly or stay as stable as it normally would. Ankle problems create issues for a major “hinge” in your body, reducing its effectiveness and impacting your overall mobility.

Trouble for Your Joint

Your ankles are vital to your ability to move freely. Not only do they absorb and support a significant amount of weight and force, they’re responsible for the majority of your foot’s range of motion. Your ankle allows your lower limbs to point, flex, and rotate in a circle—all motions that make it possible to push off the ground and adapt to uneven surfaces when you’re walking. Injuries to this joint are not only painful, they can impair your mobility.

Because your ankles handle so much motion and pressure, they are fairly susceptible to injuries. Some of the most common ankle problems that create pain

and difficulty include:

Ankle Sprain – An ankle sprain is an over-stretching or tearing in the ligaments that secure the joint. This painful injury destabilizes the whole foot and can make it hard to support pressure on the affected limb.

Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain – This general condition is characterized by pain on the outside of the ankle. It can be intense enough to restrict your ability to participate in many activities. Typically this is a complication of repeated sprains, though fractures, arthritis, and tendon injuries can also cause it.

Osteochondritis – When blood supply to the tissues in your joints is impaired, small areas of bone and cartilage may suffocate and pull loose. If the lesion separates and floats around the joint, it may make it difficult to move your foot freely.

Addressing the Painful Problem

Because the ankle is a complicated joint, these problems need invested care to allow them to heal properly. Failing to address the issues increases your risk for complications. Ankle problems need to be carefully examined by a specialist like Dr. Darren Silvester. Our experienced staff will use diagnostic images and a variety of tests to identify the specific issue you’re experiencing.

Then you can begin treatment, which will be tailored to your unique needs and condition. The most important step for resolving damage will be properly resting your limb and decreasing any inflammation and swelling in the area. Then you can move on to therapy to restore range of motion, strength, and stability. Depending on the severity of your ankle problems, you may need surgery to repair the damaged tissues.

Don’t take your ankles for granted or ignore any joint pain you’re experiencing. You have a better chance of restoring lower limbs the sooner you seek treatment. If you’re struggling with any problems in your ankles, contact Dr. Darren Silvester here at Next Step Foot & Ankle Clinic for an appointment or more information. Call 210.375.3318 or use the online request form to reach us.