Your Complete Guide to Ankle Problems
Our ankle is very complex structure, consisting of tendons, bones, ligaments, joints, muscles, nerves and more. These parts work together to allow up and down and side to side movement of the foot.
Our ankle is the focal point where the foot and leg meets. Because of this, it is highly susceptible to injuries, problems and conditions.
This section will teach you more about the various injuries that can occur to your ankle, plus additional information about conditions and diseases that affect your ankle.
To learn more about the ankle, please feel free to read multiple articles listed below. To get started, please click on a title below:
Problems & Conditions of the Ankle:
Avulsion Fracture of the Ankle in Adults and Children
An avulsion fracture occurs when a muscle or tendon is pulled so hard at the spot where it attaches to the bone that it tears a small piece of bone away. Avulsion fractures can occur on any part of the body, but they are most common in the ankles, hips, and elbows.
Ankle Impingement — What You Should Know
Ankle impingement, also known as “footballer’s ankle” or “dancer’s heel,” occurs when spurs form on the bones of the ankle—specifically the tibia, fibula, and talus. These bone spurs can form either on the front of the ankle joint (anterior ankle impingement syndrome) or the back (posterior impingement syndrome), and they strike or pinch the soft […]
Osteochondritis Dissecans (Osteochondral Lesion of the Talus)
Osteochondral lesions, also known as osteochondritis dissecans, are areas of damaged bone and cartilage on the surface of the ankle bone (the talus), usually caused by an ankle injury. This kind of injury can sometimes lead to the formation of a cyst in the talus bone.
Osteoarthritis and Posttraumatic Arthritis of the Ankle
Osteoarthritis, also known as “wear and tear” arthritis, is the most common disorder affecting the joints. Our joints are protected by a cushion of articular cartilage that allows the bones to glide over one another at the points where they meet. Osteoarthritis occurs when this cartilage breaks down and wears away over time. This allows the bones to run directly against one another, causing pain, inflammation, and swelling in the joints. This wearing away of the cartilage can also be caused or exacerbated by trauma, in which case it is known as posttraumatic arthritis.
Ankle Instability: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Chronic ankle instability can be both a cause and a result of an ankle sprain. This condition occurs when an ankle injury—usually an inversion ankle sprain causing injury to the lateral ankle ligaments—stretches, ruptures, or tears. Subsequently, the ligament fails to heal properly. While most ankle sprains heal without further complications, about 10 percent of […]
Septic Arthritis in the Ankle – What You Can Do
The condition known as septic arthritis is different from ordinary arthritis as most people understand it. While the term “arthritis,” as it is conventionally used, refers to pain and inflammation in the joints, septic arthritis is a bacterial infection in the joint cavity.
Peroneal Tendonitis – Signs, Symptoms & Treatment
Peroneal tendonitis is an ankle injury that usually occurs after a lateral ankle sprain, or after overuse of the peroneal tendons. Read more for symptoms, causes and treatment.
Swollen Ankles – Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Swollen ankles are usually a symptom of an underlying problem. Check out our long list of potential causes of a swollen ankle, plus additional symptoms, diagnosis information and treatment solutions.
What You Need To Know About A Sprained Ankle
If you suspect a sprained ankle, you should not wait to receive treatment. There are three grades of a sprain. Learn more about it, treatment options and more.
Everything You Should Know About High Ankle Sprains
Different that a normal ankle sprain, high ankle sprains can be immobilizing and extremely painful. Learn more about them here.
Clubfoot: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
This congenital condition affects babies at birth. It is not hard to spot and is usually treated immediately. Learn more about the treatment options and process.
Broken Ankle: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Broken, or fractured ankles are very common ankle injuries. Learn more about the types of fractures, treatment options, how they occur and more.
Ankle Pain: What You Can Do To Find Relief
Ankle pain can be caused by numerous conditions and injuries. Ankle pain is a symptom of an underlying condition. Learn more about these conditions, treatment and symptoms of this ailment.
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