10 Common Ankle Problems, When to Worry and When to See a Doctor

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10 Common Ankle Problems, When to Worry and When to See a Doctor

Here’s a guide to 10 common ankle problems, including when to worry and when to see a doctor.

1. Ankle Sprain

Symptoms: Pain, swelling, bruising, instability
When to worry: Severe pain, significant swelling, inability to bear weight, or suspected fracture
When to see a doctor: Manage conservatively with RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation); be referred to orthopaedics if symptoms persist or suspected severe ligament injury

2. Achilles Tendinitis

Symptoms: Pain, swelling, stiffness in the Achilles tendon
When to worry: Sudden severe pain, crepitus, or suspected tendon rupture
When to see a doctor: Manage conservatively with NSAIDs and physio therapy; be referred to orthopaedics if symptoms persist or suspected rupture

3. Ankle Fracture

Symptoms: Severe pain, deformity, inability to bear weight
When to worry: High-energy trauma, neurovascular compromise, or open fractures
When to see a doctor: See orthopaedics urgently for surgical evaluation

4. Plantar Fasciitis

Symptoms: Pain in the heel or bottom of the foot, worse with activity
When to worry: Persistent pain, limited mobility, or failure to improve with conservative management
When to see a doctor: Manage conservatively with NSAIDs, orthotics, and physiotherapy; be referred to orthopaedics if symptoms persist

5. Tendinopathy (e.g. Peroneal Tendinopathy)

Symptoms: Pain, swelling, worse with activity
When to worry: Persistent pain, limited mobility, or failure to improve with conservative management
When to see a doctor: Manage conservatively with NSAIDs and physiotherapy; be referred to orthopaedics if symptoms persist

6. Ankle Impingement

Symptoms: Pain, limited mobility, catching sensation
When to worry: Persistent pain, failure to improve with conservative management
When to see a doctor: Be referred to orthopaedics for further evaluation and possible arthroscopy

7. Osteoarthritis

Symptoms: Pain, stiffness, limited mobility
When to worry: Sudden severe pain, significant functional impairment
When to see a doctor: Manage conservatively with NSAIDs and physiotherapy; be refered to orthopaedics for possible joint replacement

8. Stress Fractures

Symptoms: Pain, worse with activity, localised tenderness
When to worry: Persistent pain, failure to improve with rest
When to see a doctor: Be referred to orthopaedics for x-rays and further management

9. Posterior Ankle Impingement

Symptoms: Pain in the back of the ankle, worse with plantarflexion
When to worry: Persistent pain, limited mobility, or failure to improve with conservative management
When to see a doctor: Manage conservatively with NSAIDs and physiotherapy; be referred to orthopaedics if symptoms persist

10. Ligament Tears (e.g. Deltoid Ligament)

Symptoms: Pain, instability, swelling
When to worry: Severe pain, significant instability, or suspected associated injuries
When to see a doctor: Manage conservatively with RICE; be referred to orthopaedics if symptoms persist or suspected severe ligament injury

Key Points

A thorough history and physical examination are crucial in diagnosing ankle problems.
Imaging studies (e.g. x-rays, MRI) may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
Referral to orthopedics is often necessary for persistent or severe symptoms, or when surgical intervention is considered.
Early recognition and management of ankle problems can improve outcomes and reduce complications.