Ankle Conditions
While athletes may be more prone to certain ankle conditions and injuries, even non-athletes can sustain an ankle injury, acquire a congenital ankle abnormality, or develop an ankle-related disorder. Ankle-related conditions can lead to disruptive pain and discomfort, impair your mobility, or prevent you from enjoying everyday activities.
To help alleviate ankle pain and keep you Texas tough, Dr. Burrus specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of various ankle-related conditions, including:
Ankle sprains:
A sprained ankle can occur when the ankle is twisted in an unusual way, causing the relating ligaments to stretch beyond their allowed capacity and rip. A sprained ankle can occur during sports-related movements that require the foot to twist or roll. Walking on an uneven surface or falling down can also cause the ankle to bend in an unnatural way, which can result in a sprain. Symptoms of a sprained ankle may include pain, bruising, swelling, and tenderness around the ankle bone, as well as ankle instability. Treatment and recovery for a sprained ankle may include the RICE method — rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Crutches may also be recommended to help keep weight off the affected foot. Physical therapy and strengthening exercises can also help improve leg and foot strength. Surgery, such as arthroscopy or reconstruction surgery, may be recommended if the sprained ankle does not heal with nonsurgical treatment methods.
Ankle instability:
Ankle instability, also known as an unstable ankle, typically develops when a sprained ankle does not heal properly. An ankle that is unstable will recurrently “give way” and cause the ankle to bend outward. This can happen while you are walking, standing, or engaging in other activities. Ankle instability may also lead to chronic swelling, discomfort, pain, and ankle weakness. Treatment and recovery for ankle instability may include physical therapy and strengthening exercises, ankle braces, and medication. Surgery may be recommended if the ankle does not respond to nonsurgical treatment methods. Left untreated, ankle instability can lead to repeating ankle sprains, which can cause ligaments in the ankle to weaken, causing greater instability and increasing your risk of developing additional ankle-related conditions.
Tendonitis:
Tendonitis is a condition in which a tendon becomes inflamed or irritated, resulting in pain and swelling around the joint. Tendonitis can affect any tendon in the body, including those around your ankle. Overuse, which occurs when there is increased or repetitive stress on the tendon, is one of the main causes of tendonitis. Overuse can occur when you overexert yourself during certain activities or sports. Flat-footedness or other abnormalities of the foot structure can also increase stress on tendons, leading to tendonitis. High-impact maneuvers, such a jumping, can cause trauma or injury, resulting in tendonitis. Rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory conditions can cause inflammation of the tendons. Treatment and recovery for a sprained ankle may include the RICE method — rest, ice, compression, and elevation. For some cases of ankle tendonitis, braces or other foot support devices may be recommended.
Cartilage damage:
While cartilage is a flexible and strong piece of connective tissues, it can be easily damaged, making cartilage damage a common injury. Damage to the cartilage in your ankle can occur as a result of gradual wear and tear, direct contact injuries, or non-contact injuries. Symptoms of cartilage damage may include inflammation, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the affected area. Treatment of cartilage damage may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and exercise.
What does treatment involve?
Here at our practice, whenever possible, we aim to help treat ankle-related conditions utilizing nonsurgical treatment methods, including the use of platelet-rich plasma therapy to help promote healing, alleviate pain, and enhance the recovery process. Where nonsurgical treatment is ineffective, surgery may be recommended.
Surgical Animations
If you are experiencing ankle pain, discomfort, a decreased range of motion, or other ankle-related symptoms, a consultation with an orthopedic specialist may be the first step towards diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Dr. Burrus is an experienced fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who is dedicated to providing high-quality, specialized holistic care. Call (512) 324-9170 or fill out the form on this page to schedule an appointment.