6 things that can help chronic lateral ankle pain

Chronic lateral ankle pain involves repetitive or frequent pain in the ankle that usually occurs as the result of an injury. This type of pain occurs laterally, meaning on the outside of the ankle. It may affect a person for the duration of their life after sustaining an injury. However, getting treatment can be beneficial for those with chronic ankle pain because it can improve their quality of life. This condition can also result in people who are diagnosed with chronic ankle instability. In fact, about 50% to 79% of people with chronic ankle instability experience ankle pain. 

Are you experiencing chronic lateral ankle pain? To learn more about the symptoms, causes and treatments associated with this condition, keep reading below.

What are some of the symptoms of a chronic lateral ankle condition?

• Intense pain in the outer ankle — Some people experience sharp, intense pain around the outside of their ankle. 
• Dull pain in the outer ankle — Some people may experience dull, throbbing pain around the outside of their ankle, instead of sharp pain.
• Instability on uneven surfaces — It may be difficult or painful to navigate uneven surfaces, like a bumpy lawn or sidewalk.
• General ankle instability — A person with chronic lateral ankle pain may experience ankle instability and have difficulty walking without their ankle giving out occasionally.
• Immobility — Another symptom of this condition is ankle immobility or stiffness. It may be hard to move the ankle or flex it without experiencing discomfort.
• Inflammation and swelling — Another characteristic of an ankle condition like this one is inflammation and swelling around the ankle.
• Soreness — It may be difficult to even touch the ankle without it causing soreness or wincing. 
• Ankle sprains — People with this condition may frequently experience ankle sprains more than once.

What are some possible causes of chronic lateral ankle pain?

• Neglecting to let an injury heal — Chronic ankle pain like this can first become an issue when an individual experiences an injury like an ankle sprain and they don’t give it enough time and rest to fully heal.
• Experiencing joint inflammation — Another cause of chronic ankle pain is arthritis. Arthritis is a condition that causes chronic inflammation and pain in the joints and can occur in any joint in the body. It frequently affects joints in the hands and feet. Arthritis may develop over time with age or result from a traumatic injury.
• Sustaining an injury — It may be possible for someone who has recently sustained an injury to a tendon or ligament in their ankle to eventually develop chronic pain.
• Having a bone fracture — If you’re frequently experiencing pain in your ankle that just won’t disappear or get better, you may be dealing with a small fracture in your ankle bone.
• Having built up scar tissue — In some cases, scar tissue can build up in excess around an old injury. In these cases, scar tissue can compress or irritate a tendon or ligament in the ankle and cause chronic pain.

What are some tips that might be able to help someone who has chronic lateral ankle pain?

1. Go to physical therapy — If you’re struggling with chronic lateral ankle pain, you may benefit from going to physical therapy. Physical therapists are trained in identifying the root cause of a variety of conditions and treating them. They can help you build strength, increase range of motion and relieve pain around your ankle.
2. Give your ankle plenty of rest — Another way to potentially relieve some of your ankle pain is by allowing it time to heal. Oftentimes, your ankle is less likely to get better if it isn’t given time to rest. Sometimes using your ankle while it’s inflamed may cause further inflammation.
3. Take anti-inflammatory medication — Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication can help reduce inflammation and pain in your ankle, temporarily.
4. Wear an ankle brace or assistive device — Wearing an ankle brace or other assistive device around your ankle may help stabilize it. Stabilizing your ankle can help reduce further irritation and inflammation, giving it the time it needs to heal.
5. Consider a corticosteroid injection — Your doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections to help your ankle pain when inflammation is present. Steroid shots contain a hormone and analgesic mix that may help lower inflammation and pain.
6. Consider surgery (as a last resort) — In more extreme cases when your ankle pain doesn’t respond to conservative interventions, surgery may be recommended.

Why should you choose physical therapy to treat your chronic lateral ankle pain?

• You will receive personalized treatment.
• You will be guided through exercises and movements that can relieve your pain.
• You will learn how to perform these exercises for relief on your own.
• You will strengthen your ankles by building muscle.
• You will improve the range of motion in your ankles.
• You will be held accountable for improving your physical health.
• You will learn how to manage your pain and prevent flare-ups.

Alliance PTP is ready to help you find top-notch PT for your chronic lateral ankle pain

At Alliance Physical Therapy Partners, we’re proudly bringing together physical therapy practices across the country to help people get the high-quality PT they need. 

Want to see a physical therapist in person? We can put you in touch with an Alliance PTP partner that’s close to you and that can help you address the root of your chronic lateral ankle pain and to help keep your symptoms manageable. It can be overwhelming to deal with chronic pain, but fortunately, you don’t need to deal with it alone. Each one of our partner clinics is dedicated to providing you with exceptional care. If you’re struggling with lateral ankle pain, don’t wait to reach out for help. The relief you’re looking for can begin as early as your first session at one of our partner locations.

Not keen on in-person PT sessions or not close to an Alliance PTP partner? No worries. We also offer effective and affordable virtual physical therapy through our Agile Virtual Physical Therapy platform. 

Come find help for your injury or chronic condition today!