Ankle Pain Specialist
-
- Tweet
Jim Francois, D.P.M., P.T, PA
Foot & Ankle Surgeon & Podiatrist located in North Miami Beach, FL
Whether your ankle pain suddenly appeared or has been progressively becoming worse, it impacts your ability to move and enjoy your favorite activities. Foot and ankle surgeon, Jim François, DPM, PT, PA offers diagnostics and treatment for ankle pain, and he can even prevent further damage and injury. With an office location in North Miami Beach, Florida, Dr. François addresses both acute and chronic ankle pain. To learn more about what’s causing your ankle pain, go online or call the office to schedule your appointment. Dr.François also serves the communities of Aventura, Miami, Miami Gardens, Miami Lakes, North Miami, Opa-Locka, and Sunny Isles, FL.
Ankle Pain Q & A
What are the symptoms of ankle pain?
When you have ankle pain, you may experience different types of pain. Your ankle may ache or throb. You may hurt it enough that it makes walking difficult. Sometimes the pain is constant, while other times it may come and go.
Besides pain, you may experience:
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Instability
- Stiffness
- Reinjury
What causes ankle pain?
Multiple issues and conditions can lead to ankle pain. The most common injury is an ankle sprain, which occurs when you stretch or tear the connecting tissues in your ankle. When this occurs, your risk of reinjury increases, as the ligaments remain weak and unstable once the pain has diminished.
Other common conditions that cause ankle pain include:
- Broken bones
- Nerve injuries
- Tendonitis
- Arthritis
- Synovium (inflammation of your joint lining)
- Scar tissue
How do you treat ankle pain?
The course of treatment Dr. François recommends depends on the cause of your ankle pain and the severity of your symptoms. He may examine your foot and request imaging services to diagnose your ankle pain correctly. He tests your foot and ankle for strength, nerve conduction, flexibility, and range of motion.
Based on what he concludes, Dr. François may recommend a RICE treatment, which includes resting your ankle, using ice to reduce swelling, compressing your ankle, and keeping it elevated. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help minimize any discomfort you experience.
When your ankle pain doesn’t respond to these at-home remedies, your podiatrist may suggest physical therapy to strengthen your ankle’s support system and restore your range of motion. Ankle braces can also help with instability.
With more severe injuries or chronic conditions, he may administer corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain in your ankle joint. He may also suggest immobilization through casting or a walking boot.
When conservative treatments don’t relieve your ankle pain, you may need surgery.
What happens during ankle surgery?
Depending on your specific needs, Dr. François may perform ankle surgery to align broken bones or remove bone fragments properly. He may debride the joint or joint surface, removing any dead or damaged tissue.
If you’ve experienced a severe ankle sprain or multiple injuries, Dr. François may reconstruct or repair any damaged ligaments or tendons.
When ankle pain keeps you from enjoying life, find a solution with Dr. François. Call the office today, or go online to book your initial consultation.
