Chronic lateral ankle pain is recurring or chronic pain on the outside part of the ankle that often develops after an injury such as an ankle sprain.
Signs and symptoms include:
- Ankle instability
- Difficulty walking on uneven ground or in high heels
- Pain, sometimes intense, on the outer side of the ankle
- Repeated ankle sprains
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Tenderness
While ankle sprains are the most common cause of chronic lateral ankle pain, other causes may include:
- A fracture in one of the bones that make up the ankle joint
- Arthritis of the ankle joint
- Injury to the nerves that pass through the ankle. In this case, the nerves become stretched, torn, injured by a direct blow, or pinched under pressure
- Inflammation of the joint lining
- Scar tissue in the ankle after a sprain. The scar tissue takes up space in the joint, putting pressure on the ligaments
- Torn or inflamed tendon
Treatments for chronic lateral ankle pain include:
- Over the counter or prescription anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling. Consult us before taking any medications
- Physical therapy, designed to strengthening the muscles, restore range of motion, and increase your perception of joint position
- The use of orthotic devices
- Ankle braces or other supports
- Steroid medication
- Immobilization to allow the bone to heal (in cases of fractures)