Is Your Ankle Pain Due to a Sprain

Michael J. Petrocelli, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S., C.W.S.P.
Board Certified Ankle and Foot Surgeon and Board Certified Wound Care Specialist

One of the most common ankle pains that podiatrists treat is ankle sprains.  The sprain happens when ligaments are stressed,

stretched and damaged, causing tiny tears in the fibers that are painful upon movement.  If you’ve had a history of ankle sprains or injuries, you are more susceptible to future strains, due to a weakening of the musculoskeletal structure.

But even though, sprains are highly common, there are multiple other disorders that affect the ankle and cause severe pain.  The ankle is a hinged joint made up of three main bones, the tibia, fibula, and the talus.  On both sides of the ankle, the two knobs are called malleoli.  Along with these bones, numerous ligaments, tendons, and muscles envelop the ankle, allowing it to rotate and flex. Disease or trauma can damage the joint, bones and soft tissue.

Arthritis
Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. Some of the common arthritic symptoms are joint pain, stiffness, warmth, immobilization, and loss of range of motion, fatigue and inadequate blood flow. Two of the main types of arthritis are Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).  With Osteoarthritis, wear and tear damages the cartilage in the joints and causes friction between the bones rubbing together.  Injury or infection usually causes Rheumatoid Arthritis.  RA is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack its own lining of the joints and membranes; this results in painful swelling and inflammation.

Common symptoms of arthritis:
• Swollen Joints
• Joint Pain
• Stiffness
• Redness
• Sensations of warmth or burning
• Decreased range-of-motion
• Limited flexibility
• Loss of strength

Ankle Tendonitis
Ankle tendonitis is most commonly related to bone spurs and flat feet.  The Achilles tendon runs from the bottom of the foot up to the lower end of the calf.  If the ankle tendon is damaged, torn, or injured, it can cause immense discomfort.  These types of injuries tend to be progressive; you may start to notice slight pain that eventually increases to being unbearable.  It’s always best to see your physician at the onset of symptoms to prevent further damage.

Common symptoms of ankle tendonitis:
• Warmth
• Tenderness
• Swelling
• Pain

Gout
Gout is a build up of uric acid.  Years ago many professionals believed that rich foods triggered gout, but we now know that gout is an internal illness that builds up uric acid crystals in the joints and causes swelling, redness, and a great deal of pain.  Gout is actually a form of arthritis, and it’s best treated by taking a daily medication to keep your uric acid levels low.  Gout affects commonly affects the ankle, foot, and toes.

Common symptoms of Gout:
• Warmth
• Extreme pain
• Inflammation
• Skin discoloration

Treatment
For sprains, and ankle tendonitis the typical treatment is rest, compression, ice, and elevation.  Staying off of your injured ankle and feet is imperative for healing.  Your podiatrist can give you a boot to help immobilize your foot, but it’s key to not try and get back in the game too soon.  There are also surgical options for advanced cases.

Along with taking the appropriate medications on a daily basis, for Gout and ankle arthritis, the best treatment is also to avoid walking or standing for long periods of time and to elevate the area as much as possible.

If you are experiencing any foot pain, or have symptoms of the knee and leg associated with your foot and ankle, please call Collier podiatry to schedule your appointment at (239) 775-0019.
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Dr. Michael J. Petrocelli was born and raised in North Providence, Rhode Island. He attended the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida where he earned his B.S. degree in Biological Sciences. Dr. Petrocelli then went on to receive his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree (Cum Laude) at the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago, Illinois. He completed a two-year residency in foot and ankle surgery—with an emphasis on diabetic wound care and limb salvage—at Kern Hospital in Detroit, Michigan.

Dr. Petrocelli has been in practice since 1994. He began with a large group practice in Tampa, FL, before relocating to Naples, FL, in 2002 to start his own practice to be closer to his family.

At Collier Podiatry, Dr. Petrocelli treats all forms of lower extremity treatment, including major and minor foot surgeries, are within Dr. Petrocelli’s scope. In addition to his practice, Dr. Petrocelli is also the staff podiatrist at the Naples Community Hospital Wound Healing Center.

NCH Countryside Commons
1715 Heritage Trail, Suite 204
Naples, FL 34112
Phone: (239) 775-0019
Fax: (239) 775-0219
Email: CollierAppointments@gmail.com