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Ankle Problems Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain

Chronic lateral ankle pain is recurring or chronic pain on the outside part of the ankle that often develops after an injury such as a sprained ankle. Other conditions, however, may also cause chronic ankle pain.

Signs and symptoms include:

• Ankle instability.
  
• Difficulty walking on uneven ground or in high heels.
  
• Pain, sometimes intense, on the outer side of the ankle.
  
• Repeated ankle sprains.
  
• Stiffness.
  
• Swelling.
  
• Tenderness.
  

While ankle sprains are the most common cause of chronic lateral ankle pain, other causes may include:

• A fracture in one of the bones that make up the ankle joint.
  
• Arthritis of the ankle joint.
  
• Inflammation of the joint lining.
  
• Injury to the nerves that pass through the ankle. In this case, the nerves become stretched, torn, injured by a direct blow, or pinched under pressure.
  
• Scar tissue in the ankle after a sprain. The scar tissue takes up space in the joint, putting pressure on the ligaments.
  
• Torn or inflamed tendon.
  

Treatments for chronic lateral ankle pain include:

• Over the counter or prescription anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling. Consult your physician before taking any medications.
  
• Physical therapy, including tilt-board exercises, directed at strengthening the muscles, restoring range of motion, and increasing your perception of joint position.
  
• Ankle braces or other supports.
  
• Steroid medication.
  
• Immobilization to allow the bone to heal (in cases of fractures).
  

— The Foot Doctors, P.C.