Ankle Pain

What causes ankle pain?

Your ankle is a weight-bearing joint that supports your body weight when standing, walking, running, or jumping. Injuries, overuse, or an underlying condition may cause ankle pain.

Common causes of ankle pain include:

• Ankle sprain
• Ankle fracture
• Ankle instability
• Arthritis
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon tear
• Bursitis
• Flat feet
• Stress fracture

At Sports Health Northwest, Inc, Dr. Westerdahl specializes in diagnosing and treating ankle pain in athletes and active individuals. His goal is to find the underlying cause of your ankle pain so he can develop an effective treatment plan to ease your discomfort.

What causes foot pain?

Your feet are a complex body part made up of many bones and joints held together by ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Any injury or underlying disease that affects the structure or function of your foot may cause foot pain.

Common causes of foot pain include:

• Fractures
• Stress fractures
• Plantar fasciitis
• Bursitis
• Foot deformities (bunion or hammertoe)
• Flat feet
• Arthritis

Foot pain, like ankle pain, is common in athletes and active individuals. If you have foot pain and it’s keeping you from your desired lifestyle, schedule a consultation at Sports Health Northwest, Inc. 

How is ankle pain or foot pain diagnosed?

Dr. Westerdahl takes a patient-centered approach to care. When you visit Sports Health Northwest, Inc, with concerns about ankle or foot pain, he conducts a comprehensive exam to find the underlying cause of your discomfort.

During your visit, he asks detailed questions about your symptoms, including when they started, the type of pain you feel, and the activities that make your pain worse or better. Dr. Westerdahl also asks about your usual exercise routine and eating habits and reviews your medical history.

He examines your feet and ankles and may request imaging tests to confirm or rule out a diagnosis. 

What are the treatments for ankle pain and foot pain?

Dr. Westerdahl customizes your ankle or foot pain treatment plan based on your diagnosis, the severity of your symptoms, your usual level of activity, and your overall health. 

He takes a conservative approach to care and utilizes many innovative nonsurgical image guided treatments to ease pain and improve the function of the ankle or foot. Depending on the cause of your ankle or foot pain, Dr. Westerdahl may recommend orthobiologics like platelet-rich plasma (PRP).

PRP is a type of regenerative medicine that accelerates your body’s natural healing process. 

Though most sports injuries heal with nonsurgical interventions, if you have an Achilles tendon rupture or severe foot or ankle fracture, Dr. Westerdahl refers you to an orthopedic surgeon to discuss surgical options.

For expert care for your ankle pain, call Sports Health Northwest, Inc, or book an appointment online today.