Should you see a podiatrist immediately if you have ankle pain? 

If you are dealing with ankle pain here in Pismo Beach, CA, it’s important to find out what could be causing your pain so you can effectively treat the problem. After all, there are a variety of conditions, injuries, and disorders that could affect the health and function of your ankles, which require immediate attention. This is where our podiatrists, Dr. Steve Clark, Dr. Brian O’Carroll and Dr. Byron Collier, come in.

What is causing my ankle pain? 

It’s going to be a little difficult to make a diagnosis over the Internet. Therefore, if you are concerned about your ankle pain, it’s best to visit your Pismo Beach, CA, foot doctor as soon as possible; however, active individuals or athletes may develop about of minor ankle pain from time to time may be able to treat the problem on their own with home care.

Common causes of ankle pain include,

• Sprains and strains
• Fractured ankle
• Peroneal tendonitis
• Gout
• Arthritis
• Nerve damage
• Infection of the joint

When should I see a doctor? 

Since some of these conditions are serious if left untreated, it’s important that you see a doctor if your symptoms appeared suddenly or if you are experiencing severe ankle pain after a traumatic injury. Other reasons to see a podiatrist include,

• You have severe swelling and/or bruising in and around the ankle
• You can’t move the ankle or put weight on the affected foot
• The ankle looks deformed or there are visible changes to the structure of the ankle
• There is numbness, tingling or weakness in the ankle or foot

How can a podiatrist help? 

If you’ve been resting and icing your ankle and you still don’t see an improvement you may come into our office for additional care. Those dealing with more severe symptoms will obviously need to come in right away. How we treat your ankle pain will depend on the root cause; however, the goals of treatment include,

• Managing pain, swelling and inflammation
• Helping the ankle heal properly and completely
• Preventing ankle instability and other complications

Some ways to treat ankle pain include,

• Ice therapy
• Pain relievers
• Rest and elevation
• Compression or bandaging
• A protective boot or crutches
• Stretching and strengthening exercises
• Physical therapy and rehab
• Surgery (in rare cases)

Dealing with ankle pain as a result of an injury? Has ankle pain appeared suddenly and you’re not sure why? We provide you with the answers you’re looking for when it comes to ankle pain. Call Five Cities Foot and Ankle in Pismo Beach and Santa Maria, CA, at (805) 481-9100 for an evaluation.