Are you trying to stay active and you are being held back by ankle pain?
Does your ankle give you problems after running and it keeps you from reaching your maximum potential on the court, field, or pitch?
You are not alone.
Ankle pain is a very common complaint that affects people of all ages. It can range from mild and occasional to severe, chronic pain with long-term consequences.
In the most severe cases, it can lead to loss of function and an inability to walk for any length of time.
If you are suffering from ankle pain, prompt diagnosis and treatment is essential.
Delaying or ignoring treatment can significantly impair your ability to move around, negatively affecting your daily activities and leading to further complications down the line.
The most common causes of ankle pain include sprains, fractures, tendonitis and bursitis. However, there are other less obvious sources such as arthritis or infection which may also be considered.
A thorough physical examination and medical history are often necessary to accurately diagnose the source of your ankle pain.
Fortunately, there is a range of treatments available for ankle pain that can help manage symptoms, improve mobility and even reduce the risk of future injury.
Depending on the severity of your condition, treatment may include medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, bracing or splinting, steroid injections and in some cases surgery.
It is important to seek professional advice if you are experiencing persistent or severe ankle pain as timely treatment can make all the difference in terms of alleviating discomfort and improving function.
Working closely with your healthcare provider will ensure that you receive an individualized treatment plan tailored to meet your specific needs.
What Is Causing My Ankle Pain After Running?
There are common injuries that we see in our patients at Empire Sports Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation when it comes to running related pain in the ankle and foot. These injuries can cause a person to feel pain in their ankle and the muscles in and around the ankle that support it when running.
If you feel that one or more of these injuries might be causing you to experience pain, make sure to come see us and we can start the conversation on treating the bad ankle.
1. Overuse Injury: This is one of the most common causes of ankle pain after running. The repetitive pounding forces of running can cause inflammation and even tears in tendons, muscles, ligaments or other joint structures in the ankle area. Treatment usually involves rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications.
2. Stress Fracture: This type of fracture occurs when the bone doesn’t get enough time to heal between runs and becomes weakened enough for a crack to develop in it. Pain typically worsens with activity and subsides with rest. Treatment includes a period of immobilization followed by progressive strengthening exercises.
3. Ankle Sprain: If an ankle is twisted beyond its normal range – such as when running on uneven terrain – the ligaments can become stretched, torn or partially ruptured. Symptoms of an ankle sprain include swelling, bruising and difficulty walking. Treatment involves immobilization with a brace or wrap followed by physical therapy to restore range of motion and strength.
4. Plantar Fasciitis: This is inflammation of the tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes and runs along the bottom of the foot. Plantar fasciitis can cause pain in the arch, heel, calf and ankle after running due to overstretching of this tissue during weight-bearing activities such as running. Treatment usually includes stretching exercises and strengthening of muscles that support the arch.
5. Achilles Tendinitis: Another common cause of ankle pain after running is a condition known as Achilles tendinitis. This occurs when the Achilles tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone becomes overused or injured, resulting in inflammation and pain. Treatment typically involves rest, icing, physical therapy, and exercises to strengthen the calf muscles.
6. Shin Splints: Pain in the lower leg can sometimes radiate into the ankle area after running. This may be due to shin splints – an inflammatory response caused by excessive stress on muscles and connective tissues of the lower legs from running on hard surfaces or increasing intensity too quickly without proper conditioning. Treatment usually includes rest, stretching exercises, foam rolling, strengthening exercises for hip and core stability and orthotics if needed.
Are You Struggling With Ankle Pain And Don’t Know The Next Steps In Treating It?
Are you dealing with ankle pain, and you don’t feel that you know where to start but want to find answers to your nagging pain, then schedule a free phone consult or contact us to arrange an Ankle Pain Assessment. You can also feel free to give us a call at 845.675.8444 (We still like to talk on the phone!)
If you want more information on how to best treat the ankle pain you are experiencing, visit us at Empire Sports Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation or check out this free report to help you when dealing with ankle pain!
Don’t let ankle pain keep you from what you love to do!
We love to keep people in the Valley Cottage area mobile, active, and off pain pills – let our expertise go to work for you to help you return to the activities you love.
Don’t forget, you can schedule a no-obligation (and free!) phone consult or visit us at our Valley Cottage clinic as part of your Ankle Pain Assessment. Or just give us a call at 845.675.8444.
Until next time,
David Stedjan, PT
Other Free Resources from Empire Sports Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation…
Free Report for Ankle Pain – 7 Vital Actions to Eliminate Foot and Ankle Pain Without Surgery or Pain-Meds
Read Our Blog – 6 Exercises You Can Do For Ankle Pain
Read Our Blog – The 4 Tell-Tale Signs that an Injury Will Stop You from Running