Ankle Pain

Ankle pain is one of the most common orthopedic problems, affecting millions of Americans annually. At Advanced Footcare & Sports Medicine, on the East Side of Manhattan in New York City, board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Robert Maccabee, DPM, specializes in diagnosing and treating ankle pain with conservative, minimally invasive procedures. After pinpointing the source of your discomfort, he makes personalized treatment recommendations to help you feel better. Call Advanced Footcare & Sports Medicine today to make an appointment or book online. 

Should I see a podiatrist about ankle pain?

Ankle pain affects everyone occasionally, but you should seek professional help if your symptoms last for more than a week and don’t improve with at-home care, like ice, rest, and anti-inflammatory medication.

That’s especially true if you have a medical condition affecting circulation to your feet, like diabetes or peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Identifying the source of your discomfort prevents the problem from worsening and helps Dr. Maccabee determine the best treatment approach.

What are the common causes of ankle pain?

At Advanced Footcare & Sports Medicine, Dr. Maccabee treats ankle pain caused by various issues, including:

• Bursitis
• Fractures
• Osteoarthritis
• Sprains
• Tendinitis
• Flatfoot (fallen arches)
• Gout
• Infection

Sometimes, ankle pain occurs due to athletic injuries, like ligament sprains and muscle strains.

How does a board-certified podiatrist diagnose ankle pain?

Dr. Maccabee reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when the pain started, what it feels like, and if it extends into other parts of your body, like your lower leg or foot. 

Next, he completes a foot and ankle exam, checking your ankle joint and the surrounding skin for bruising, swelling, and redness. Dr. Maccabee gently moves your ankle back and forth and presses on your skin to identify sensitive places. 

Some ankle injuries are easy to identify, but if Dr. Maccabee suspects an underlying problem, like a fracture or arthritis, he orders X-rays or other diagnostic imaging.

How does a board-certified podiatrist treat ankle pain?

Dr. Maccabee treats ankle pain using a conservative and hands-on approach. He might suggest:

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE protocol)
• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication
• Custom orthotics
• Joint aspiration
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
• Stem cell injections
• Physical therapy
• Corticosteroid injections

You might need minimally invasive ankle surgery if you tear a ligament or tendon. Minimally invasive surgery uses smaller incisions, resulting in reduced scarring, minimal pain, and shorter hospital stays.

Is there any way to prevent ankle pain?

The easiest way to prevent ankle pain is to keep your bones, ligaments, and tendons strong and healthy, especially if you’re a runner or play sports.

Dr. Maccabee recommends maintaining a healthy weight, warming up properly before exercise, and wearing comfortable shoes that support your feet and ankles. 

Call Advanced Footcare & Sports Medicine today to schedule ankle pain treatment, or book your appointment online.