(866) 552-4866 Fred* has always been mindful of his health. Granted, he has never been one to stick to a workout routine, and his light walking around the neighborhood park after work was occasional at best. That said, his diet was relatively good for his age; he was maintaining a healthy weight, and he hadn't had any recent injuries or lingering illnesses. That is why he was so puzzled when his ankles started to bother him. He knew he hadn't twisted anything while walking outside or around the house. His shoes were also supportive, and his podiatrist even said there were no signs of strain, early arthritis, or structural issues. Yet the ankle pain lingered and was getting worse. Frustrated, Fred asked if anything more could be done. His podiatrist agreed and suggested that they bring in a vascular surgeon to take a closer look.
If you are confused as to why a vascular surgeon would be involved for ankle pain, you are not alone. After all, ankle pain after walking or other activities is often quickly attributed to sprain, strain, fracture, overuse, arthritis, unsupportive shoes, or another podiatric issue. However, not all ankle pain originates from taxed or injured muscles, tendons, and joints. The real culprit could be vascular disease beneath the surface. When blood flow through the arteries or veins is restricted, oxygen can't reach your tissues, which can lead to persistent foot and ankle pain and other issues.
At StrideCare, our multidisciplinary approach ensures that podiatrists and vascular providers can seamlessly work together on complex cases. This way, people like Fred can receive proper care and get back to doing what they love.
Do You Have Unexplained Ankle Pain Symptoms?
- Persistent aching or throbbing
- Ankle pain during or after walking
- Swelling that worsens as the day goes on
- Tingling, numbness, or burning sensations
- A constant feeling of heaviness or fatigue in the legs and ankles
- Cramping, tightness, or stiffness
- Skin discoloration
- Pain that improves with leg elevation
- Slow-healing sores or changes in skin texture
Do you have ankle pain after walking with no known cause? Request an appointment with a StrideCare podiatrist and vascular surgeon today. Our collaborative approach ensures you receive the support you need from a qualified doctor close to home.
When Ankle Pain Isn't Musculoskeletal
More than just a simple joint, your ankle joins your foot to your lower leg while at the same time supporting your body weight, facilitating movement through seamless bending and flexion upward toward your body (dorsiflexion) and down and away from your body (plantar flexion), and keeping you stable and balanced. A complex network of ligaments, muscles, cartilage, nerves, and blood vessels holds these bones together. Combined, they provide stability, seamless movement, cushioning, and the sensation we need to walk, run, stand, lean forward, and maintain balance.
Statistically the ankle is one of the body's most sensitive and injury-prone joints. That is why many of us are bound to experience ankle pain at some point. In fact, roughly 23,000 ankle injuries are reported in the United States each day and range from minor rolled ankles to severe fractures, overuse strains, and other concerns that may or may not require surgery.
The problem is that not all ankle pain can be attributed to specific ankle-joint issues or incidents such as a slip-and-fall, a previous injury, or overuse. How you walk, your foot's shape, and your shoes may not be a concern either.
So, what's the answer? Your ankle pain could be vascular-related.
"Roughly 23,000 ankle injuries are reported in the United States each day and range from minor rolled ankles to severe fractures, overuse strains, and other concerns that may or may not require surgery."
We need healthy blood circulation and oxygen throughout our bodies, and especially in our extremities, to stay active and healthy. This is achieved through an intricate and interconnected web of veins and arteries. When everything is working great, blood flows freely, and we go about our days seamlessly. However, veins and arteries can break down, become diseased, and even become clogged.
When this happens, blood cannot flow freely, and we experience a litany of issues that, if left unaddressed, will only get worse. So, if your ankle pain or discomfort doesn't match a recent injury and keeps coming back despite rest and treatment, it is worth taking a closer look at your circulatory health.
In short, vein disease can take many forms and may appear as ankle pain.
Common Vascular Conditions That Cause Ankle Pain
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) — PAD affects 8.5 million U.S. adults and 113 million people worldwide. When plaque builds up in arterial blood vessels, it creates narrower openings for blood and oxygen to pass through, resulting in restricted blood flow or a complete blockage to the extremities. This may be why you are experiencing cramping, fatigue, and ankle pain.
- Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) — When vein valves no longer hold a seal, the result is poor blood flow from your leg veins back to your heart. This causes leg and ankle swelling, varicose veins, cramps, skin changes, and leg and foot ulcers.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) — DVT is a life-threatening condition where blood clots form in one of the veins deep within your body. One-sided swelling or ankle pain may indicate a blood clot.
- Varicose Veins — Varicose veins are a condition where the veins stop working properly, fill up with blood, and enlarge or swell due to a high volume of fluid build-up. This can lead to twisted, enlarged veins in the legs, ankles and feet that bulge, stretch, and enlarge further over time.
Each of these vascular issues affects circulation differently, but all can lead to similar ankle pain sensations of discomfort or pressure in the lower legs and feet.
"Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) affects 8.5 million U.S. adults and 113 million people worldwide."
When Do I See a Doctor About My Ankle Pain?
Much like any other ailment, including foot conditions, you need to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist if your condition is worsening and you notice any of the following symptoms or visible signs of infection:
- Worsening pain that will not go away
- Swelling that won't improve
- Tingling or numbness sensations
- Cramping, tightness, or stiffness
Consulting with a foot doctor and vascular surgeon can address a wide range of ankle pain issues. If you want to discuss your treatment options, please schedule an appointment with StrideCare's expert podiatric physicians.
At StrideCare, we treat a variety of ankle pain conditions with surgical and non-surgical techniques, including Achilles tendonitis, ankle instability, fractures, sprains and strains, shin splints, and more. If necessary, we may collaborate with additional specialists if your ankle pain is not linked to a podiatric condition or injury. We will determine the root cause of your ankle pain, which may involve enlisting the services of a vascular doctor.
According to the Society for Vascular Surgery, a vascular surgeon is a highly trained physician specializing in diagnosing, treating, and managing diseases of the vascular system (the arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels throughout the body). Vascular surgeons have access to ultrasound imaging machines that can uncover precisely why you are experiencing ankle pain and determine the best treatment option to improve blood flow. Early detection is vital in treating any vein disease, allowing vascular surgeons to tailor treatment plans to your unique needs.
StrideCare offers a variety of vein and artery treatment options, and we will discuss them with you to ensure the right choices are presented.
StrideCare Has a Unique Approach to Ankle Pain
Many of us will experience ankle pain at some point in our lives. More often than not, we can point to a specific injury or condition as the culprit. Sadly, not all foot and ankle issues are easily diagnosed. Often, they are caused by an underlying vein disease that can be diagnosed in collaboration with a podiatrist and vascular surgeon. This is where StrideCare can help.
With over 50 StrideCare clinic locations, finding an experienced, qualified podiatrist or vascular provider near you is easier than ever. A consultation with one of our specialists can determine the type, severity, and location of your ankle pain issues.
Our expert doctors and caring staff utilize the latest technologies and treatments to help our patients reclaim their lives. Please contact us at 866-552-4866 or complete the appointment form to schedule a consultation. At StrideCare, we are here to help, all while providing compassionate patient care.
This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Before starting any new treatment or questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider.
StrideCare serves North Texas and South Texas communities, including Addison, Allen, Anna, Arlington, Austin, Carrollton, Celina, Clear Lake, Craig Ranch, Dallas, Euless, Flower Mound, Forney, Fort Worth, Frisco, Garland, Houston, Irving, Katy, Kaufman, Mansfield, McKinney, Mesquite, Midland, North Dallas, Odessa, Paris, Pecos, Plano, Prosper, Rockwall, Round Rock, Rowlett, Royce City, San Antonio, Sherman, South Dallas, Southlake, Stone Oak, Sugar Land, Sulphur Springs, The Woodlands, Waxahachie, Webster, and more.
*Patient names and/or photos may be changed to protect patient confidentiality.