The ankle is a complex joint. It works together with the leg and foot to control movements and maintain balance. Your ankle supports you every time you walk, jog, run, or jump. Due to its unique structure and the demands placed on it during weight-bearing routine activities like running, the ankle is prone to many injuries and conditions.
In some cases, ankle injuries and conditions get better with noninvasive therapies like rest, icing, medications, physical therapy, and cortisone shots. In more severe cases, ankle surgery is needed.
There are several signs and symptoms that may indicate the need for ankle surgery. Here are three signs you may need ankle surgery, as well as where you can go for a thorough assessment of your ankle condition by a foot and ankle specialist in West Orange, NJ.
Chronic Pain
Generally, the injuries and condition of the ankle heal gradually, and the pain subsides. This requires lots of rest and a break from activities that put pressure on the ankle, like running.
However, if you have persistent pain in your ankle that is not relieved by the conservative treatments mentioned above, it may be a sign of a serious condition or chronic condition. Serious conditions that cause chronic ankle pain include arthritis, bone spurs, tendonitis, or tendon rupture, and may need surgery.
Ankle Instability
Even though the ankle joint is responsible for supporting the weight of the body and allowing movement in the foot, it is designed for stability rather than mobility.
Ankle instability occurs when an injury or chronic condition makes your ankle unstable, leading to the feeling of “giving way” during physical activity. Injuries that lead to ankle instability include ankle sprains and strains, while muscle and tissue weakness can cause chronic instability.
Oftentimes, an unstable ankle heals with conservative treatment. But when there is a structural issue in the ankle joint, such as ligament damage, and conservative treatments do not provide relief, a foot and ankle doctor will recommend ankle surgery.
Ankle Fracture
Ankle fracture is when the bones of the ankle break or crack. A mild fracture, when the ankle is stable and the broken bones are not out of place, may not need ankle surgery.
However, if the broken bones in the ankle are unstable, are out of their original place, and need more support to heal, surgical repair is recommended. The surgery involves realigning and stabilizing the broken bones in the ankle joint using screws, plates, or other hardware.
Limited Mobility
Despite conservative treatments, if the pain in your ankle has limited your ability to walk, run, and move properly, you may need ankle surgery.
Remember that if you don’t get your limited mobility addressed, then your everyday movements will become harder.
Foot and Ankle Specialist in West Orange, NJ
If you think you or your loved one has one or more of the signs mentioned above, see our foot and ankle specialist at Hudson MD Group. Our foot and ankle specialist will order diagnostic imaging tests to identifythe underlying cause of your ankle pain and then will provide you with the most effective and personalized treatment, which may include surgical and nonsurgical interventions.
Give us a call at (973) 705-4914 or send us a message to set up an appointment. We look forward to treating you!
