Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain:
Chronic lateral ankle pain often results from a prior ankle sprain or injury and involves pain along the outer ankle area.
What Causes Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain?
- Repetitive ankle sprains and post-sprain formation of scar tissue
- Fractures in the ankle joint bones
- Arthritis of the ankle joint, or inflammation of the ankle joint, tendons, or joint lining
- Ankle-area nerve damage, including stretching, tearing, or pinching of ankle nerves
What Are Symptoms of Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain?
- Outer ankle and lower leg pain
- Stiff, tender ankle
- Swelling of the ankle area
- Unstable ankle and trouble maintaining balance on bumpy, unlevel ground or while wearing high-heeled shoes
How Is Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain Treated?
- Take anti-inflammatory or prescription steroidal medications on a temporary basis to decrease swelling (ask your doctor first)
- Do physical therapy, including exercises that strengthen and improve the range of motion for ankle muscles
- Wear ankle braces and ankle supports
- Immobilize the area to allow bone healing after fractures
