Ankle Pain Specialist

Family Foot & Ankle Care

Adam Nguyen, DPM

Podiatrist & Foot and Ankle Surgeon located in Lubbock, TX

If putting weight on your ankle causes too much pain, it’s time to schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Family Foot & Ankle Care in Lubbock, Texas. Experienced podiatrist Adam Nguyen, DPM, offers comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for ankle pain resulting from sports injuries or diseases like arthritis. Dr. Nguyen focuses on conservative therapies for relieving your pain and also offers minimally invasive repair surgeries. To schedule a consultation for persistent ankle pain, call Family Foot & Ankle Care today.

Ankle Pain Q&A

What causes ankle pain?

Ankle pain can develop for a number of reasons. You might experience occasional or acute pain in your ankle when you strain the soft tissues that support your ankle joint if you step the wrong way or if you hit your ankle on something solid.

Chronic pain might develop from osteoarthritis due to the breakdown of the protective cartilage that covers the ends of your joint bones. Without the protection, your ankle bones can rub together, creating friction and pain.

Persistent, chronic ankle pain can also be the result of a more serious injury to your ankle from repetitive use or sports activity.

Other causes of chronic ankle pain include:

Bursitis

Bursitis describes irritation and inflammation in the fluid-filled bursae sacs in the ankle that cushion your joint.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis occurs when the tendons that connect muscle to bone become inflamed. Without treatment, tendonitis can lead to a more serious tendon rupture.

Fracture

Strenuous or high-impact activities can stress and fracture the bones in your ankle joint leading to pain and instability.

How is ankle pain diagnosed?

If you can’t get relief from ankle pain with rest and over-the-counter medications, you can schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Family Foot & Ankle Care. Dr. Nguyen reviews your medical history and examines your ankle, checking its range of motion and flexibility.

You might need diagnostic imaging tests, like X-rays or a computed tomography (CT) scan, to get a better look at your ankle structure.

How is ankle pain treated?

Initially, Dr. Nguyen might recommend limiting your ankle movements with taping or bracing to give your joint time to heal. You may also have to avoid strenuous activities for a while.

Other options for treating ankle pain include:

Medications

When over-the-counter medications aren’t enough to relieve your pain, you might benefit from prescription pain relievers and anti-inflammatories.

Steroid injections

If oral medicines aren’t working, you might need injections of steroids into your ankle to decrease inflammation and make it easier to move.

Orthotics

Shoe inserts and other orthotic devices can stabilize your ankle and relieve excess pressure on your bones and soft tissues. Orthotics also keep your foot and ankle in proper alignment to prevent additional episodes of pain.

If your pain stems from a tendon rupture or other severe injury, Dr. Nguyen can discuss your options for surgery to repair it. He can also refer you for physical therapy to restore the flexibility of your ankle and reduce your risk for future injuries.

Don’t delay getting a diagnostic evaluation for persistent ankle pain. Call Family Foot & Ankle Care or book an appointment online nearest you today.