Monday, February, 13, 2012

Ankle pain

Table of Contents


Go to the hospital if:

  • You have severe pain even when you are NOT bearing weight.
  • You suspect a broken bone (the joint looks deformed and you cannot put any weight on the leg).
  • You can hear a popping sound and have immediate trouble using the joint.

Call your doctor if:

  • Swelling does not go down within 2 - 3 days
  • You have symptoms of infection -- the area becomes red, more painful, or warm, or you have a fever over 100 °F
  • The pain does not go away after several weeks
  • Other joints are also involved
  • You have a history of arthritis and are having new symptoms

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your doctor will perform a physical examination, including a detailed examination of the ankles, and will ask questions such as:

  • Does the pain shift from joint to joint?
  • Is the pain the same in both ankles?
  • Did the pain begin suddenly and severely?
  • Did the pain begin slowly and mildly and then get worse?
  • Did the pain get better by itself in less than 6 weeks?
  • Does the ankle feel warm to the touch?
  • Does the ankle hurt when you are not bearing weight on it?
  • Do you have any abnormal sensation in your foot?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include the following:

  • Aspiration of synovial fluid (fluid from the joint space) and synovial fluid analysis
  • X-ray of the ankle and possibly the foot

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), special foot gear, or braces may be prescribed. Surgery is sometimes needed.


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Review Date: 02/19/2011
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Dept of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)