Chronic lateral ankle pain is recurring pain on the outside part of the ankle that often develops after an injury such as an ankle sprain .
Causes of Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain
- Arthritis of the ankle joint
- Fracture in one or more of the bones that make up the joint
- Inflammation of the joint lining
- Injury to the nerves that pass through the ankle (for more on maladies related to nerve damage in the lower extremities, check out our pages on Morton's neuroma and neuropathy )
- Scar tissue in the ankle after an ankle sprain
- Torn or inflamed tendon (also see our tendinitis page)
Symptoms of Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain
- 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
Treatments for Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain
- Ankle braces or other supports
- Immobilization to allow the bone to heal, especially in cases of fractures
- Over the counter or prescription anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling (Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications.)
- Physical therapy, including tilt-board exercises that focus on strengthening the muscles, restoring range of motion, and increasing perception of joint position
- Steroid medication
- Surgery, in the most extreme cases, to remove loose bone fragments or repair damaged ligaments or tendons
Prevention of Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain
- Continued use of an ankle brace (rather than taping the ankle) when playing sports
- Physical therapy, if applicable after surgery, in order to prevent recurrence of pain
- Resting the injured ankle
- Wearing properly fitting shoes and lacing them correctly