Ankle Conditions

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Achilles tendonitis is the overuse of that tendon. In most cases, it is caused by repetitive stress or strain, possibly due to working on your feet all day, playing sports, or distance running. 

While Achilles tendinitis can affect both men and women, podiatrists often see higher incidences among men, especially if they’re older.

Symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis

• Mild to severe aching
• Swelling or tenderness
• Pain near the back of your heel
• Stiffness and discomfort after periods of inactivity
• Difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg

During an ankle sprain, the ligaments can be stretched or torn. If the injury doesn’t heal properly or was not rehabilitated completely, it can lead to a condition called chronic ankle instability.
About 20 percent of acute ankle sprain patients develop this condition. Participating in activities that involve the ankle—such as ballet, gymnastics, basketball, or football—can lead to chronic ankle instability. Additionally, those who suffer from repeated ankle sprains are at an increased risk.

Chronic Ankle Instability Symptoms

• The ankle repeatedly turning, especially while playing sports
• Persistent discomfort and swelling
• Tenderness or pain on the outside of the ankle
• The ankle feeling wobbly or unstable

A broken ankle, also known as an ankle fracture, is a common sports injury. Other causes include twisting or rotating your ankle, rolling your ankle, or direct impact during a car accident or fall.

Ankle Fracture Symptoms

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tenderness to the touch
• Deformity if the fracture is dislocated
• Difficulty bearing weight on the ankle

During ankle replacement surgery, the damaged joint is replaced with an artificial implant. General anesthesia is typically given, which will make you sleep so that you feel no pain or discomfort.

Your doctor may recommend this procedure if you suffer from severe arthritis in your ankle. This can cause symptoms like pain, inflammation, and stiffness, which can lead to difficulty walking.

After ankle replacement surgery, you can expect to wear a cast, brace, or splint to prevent the ankle from moving while it heals. Physical therapy will be needed to ensure optimal healing and return of function in your new ankle. Try and be patient (we know that is easier said than done), it may take several months until you can bear weight on the new ankle.

Shin splints are tiny tears in the shinbone and connective tissue that is caused by repetitive stress. This condition can cause pain, soreness, and tenderness along the inner side of your shinbone and mild swelling in the lower leg. Pain varies from a dull, throbbing feeling to a sharp sensation. When shin splints first appear, the pain may stop when you rest. Shin splits most frequently affect runners, dancers, military members, or anyone who leads a very active lifestyle.

Shin Splint Risk Factors

• Running on uneven or hard surfaces
• Flat feet or high arches
• Weak ankles, hips, or core muscles
• Shoes that don’t provide proper support
• Suddenly increasing the intensity, frequency, or duration of your exercise

A sprained ankle happens when you twist or awkwardly turn your ankle. Your risk is higher if you participate in sports or activities that require a sudden change of direction, like basketball or soccer. The risk of ankle sprain increases by wearing shoes that lack sufficient support, walking/running/playing on uneven surfaces, and having a history of ankle sprains.

Symptoms of a Sprained Ankle

• Bruising
• Mild-to-severe pain
• Instability
• Swelling
• Limited mobility of the ankle

Tendons are thick collagen tissue that attaches muscle to bone. Tendonitis happens when a tendon in your foot and ankle becomes inflamed or irritated. It tends to sneak up on you by gradually developing as repetitive activities cause ongoing inflammation.