Feeling a nagging pain at the front of your ankle can be annoying and even disruptive to your daily life. Pain in the foot and lower leg can make staying on your feet difficult. When you are experiencing this kind of pain, finding the right treatment can have a major positive impact. Through physical therapy treatments like targeted stretches and manual therapy, you can find relief. The particular treatments you receive will likely depend on your condition. Pain in the front of the ankle can have many different causes. It is important to understand that while this pain can be bothersome, it does not always indicate a severe issue. Learning more about the nature of your condition can help ease mental stress. Equipped with knowledge, you can know what to expect and how to get effective treatment.
5 front of ankle pain causes
- Sprained ankle — The ankle ligaments are important cords that work to connect the bones in the region. When you sprain your ankle, the pain you feel is a result of ligament injury. An ankle sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched or torn. This most often happens because of a sudden twist or impact. Ankle sprains can vary in severity, with many patients experiencing only mild symptoms. After a sprain, your ankle will probably feel sore and tender. When it comes to treating your symptoms, physical therapy can play a crucial role in offering rapid pain relief. There are also steps you can take at home to promote healing. One effective technique is PEACE & LOVE. To treat your symptoms in the short term, use PEACE. PEACE stands for protection, elevation, avoid anti-inflammatories, compression and elevation. Once you have your symptoms under control, LOVE (load, optimism, vascularization, exercise) can help with long-term management. Load means adjusting your daily activity load as your pain allows. With PEACE & LOVE alongside physical therapy treatments, you can alleviate your pain and boost your recovery.
- Tendinitis — Tendinitis refers to inflammation in the tendons. This can happen in tendons throughout the body, and the ankle is no exception. In the ankle, Achilles tendinitis is highly common. The Achilles tendon is a strong cord that extends from the calf to the heel. When this tendon becomes inflamed, it can result in pain at the front of the ankle. With appropriate treatment, most cases of Achilles tendinitis can resolve within weeks or months. Staying rested and participating in physical therapy can be great ways to speed up your recovery and manage pain.
- Poor footwear — Feeling pain in your foot and the front of your ankle whenever you wear certain shoes? Your footwear might be a central cause of your pain. Shoes can play a surprisingly important role in foot health. When shoes don’t provide proper support, they may strain the foot tendons and muscles. Shoes that are too tight can reduce circulation and cause swelling. If your footwear is giving you trouble, your physical therapist might recommend investing in supportive footwear to ease your pain. This simple fix can make a big difference in your foot health.
- Stress fracture — A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone. These minor fractures are often caused by overuse and repeated stressful movements. Stress fractures in the foot or lower leg can cause pain in the front of the ankle. If you have a stress fracture, don’t worry. Unlike more severe bone injuries, stress fractures can often heal without any surgery. With rest and physical therapy, you may be able to help your bone return to full strength and experience lasting pain relief.
- Nerve compression — Nerves around the ankle can become entrapped or compressed due to pressure. Sometimes this occurs when the tissue surrounding the nerve becomes inflamed and presses against the nerve. If you are experiencing a burning or tingling pain in the front of your ankle, this could be a sign of nerve compression. Conditions like tarsal tunnel syndrome and other forms of nerve entrapment are common culprits. Nerve compression issues can often be managed through conservative treatments. This means invasive treatment methods are not typically necessary. Physical therapy can be a great way to relieve nerve compression, alleviating your pain at the source.
Forever Fit Physical Therapy & Wellness can help treat your front of ankle pain
Pain in the front of the ankle can be distressing, but you have the power to take appropriate action and avoid unnecessary worry. Find expert guidance and effective pain relief treatment at Forever Fit Physical Therapy & Wellness. Our physical therapists can develop a personalized treatment plan designed to alleviate your pain and provide lifelong quality of life.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.