Every year more than one million people visit the emergency room due to ankle injuries. Others are walking around with various degrees of ankle pain that goes unreported. The big question is when should you visit the podiatrist after injuring your ankle? 

We created a list of the seven most common foot and ankle issues seen at Family Foot & Ankle Centers that require a visit to the foot doctor.

1. Sudden Ankle Trauma

If you have ankle pain from a recent sports injury you should always head to the foot doctor. It could just be a minor injury but it could also be the initial sign of serious damage to tendons, ligaments or even the bone. These conditions are easily evaluated and treated at Family Foot & Ankle Centers. We have in-office X-rays and digital diagnostic ultrasound to aid in a fast, accurate diagnosis. 

Untreated ankle injuries many times lead to problems down the road. Tendons and ligaments need to be accurately diagnosed and treated to allow them to heal properly and to prevent further problems.

2. Diabetes and Ankle Pain

Patients with diabetes need to be especially vigilant when it comes to their feet and ankles. One of the most common effects of diabetes is causing a lack of sensitivity and the propensity for diabetics to suffer from poor circulation.

Diabetes patients should always check the feet and legs and any sign of foot or ankle injury should be checked out by our foot doctors. With diabetes, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Nerve damage can lead to a ankle and foot problem called Charcot joint.  This is when the ankle joint into the foot becomes red, hot and swollen and may be accompanied by significant pain.  Early diagnosis and immobilization is the key to getting this diabetes related problem under control.

3. Visible Changes

This one seems obvious but you would be surprised. If you have a visible lump, discoloration, or other obvious injury signs get it checked out by our podiatrists. Conditions like cysts, broken bones or serious ligament sprains will show visible symptoms and should not be ignored.  The earlier symptoms are addressed the faster you will be on the road to recovery.

4. Ankle Pain Paired with Fever

If you notice ankle pain that presents with a fever of over 101 Fahrenheit get to the foot doctor immediately. Fever can indicate an infection which can occur after trauma at the site of injury. Redness and swelling in the ankle due to an infection can become a life-threatening event. Antibiotics may be necessary to help cure the infection and the sooner it is treated, the faster you will be back to normal.

5. Persistent Swelling or Redness

Minor swelling is common with injuries but long term swelling indicates a more serious issue. If you roll or twist your ankle then swelling is more than likely going to happen. It is part of the healing process. If you hurt your ankle and are still seeing swelling, redness or pain a week later you need to visit our foot specialists. You will be evaluated by the doctor for the many causes of persistent swelling and redness.

6. Serious Sensitivity

If you hurt your ankle to the point where you can’t put any weight on it you need to see a foot doctor. This is likely a serious enough injury that you’ll require an in-office x-ray. If pain is the severe, immobilization will be required.  This can be accomplished with crutches or an orthopedic walking boot.

7. Pain in Both Ankles at Once

Everyone twists their ankle once in a while. If you have pain in both ankles that isn’t related to a known injury it may indicate a more serious issue. Causes of pain in both ankles may be related to conditions such as arthritis. infection or abnormal foot structure. For your peace of mind, it’s always better to have our foot doctors look at it.

Don’t Play Around With Ankle Pain

It’s always better to visit a foot doctor and discover that your ankle pain is easily fixed rather than not going and taking a risk that it will get better. If you’ve suffered an injury or have a persistent foot or ankle problem call our office to schedule an appointment today at 972.597.4132 or Get in touch with us to schedule your appointment today.

In addition to ankle problems, we can also help you with ingrown toenails, hammertoe treatment, toenail fungus, heel pain. ankle and foot surgery, and all other podiatry issues.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Waxahachie, Ennis, or Corsicana, TX today. We have helped over 50,000 happy patients in Texas since 1999 and it is our goal to improve lives one foot at a time.

The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about topics related to podiatry, feel free to contact Family Foot & Ankle Centers by clicking here or calling 972-597-4132 to reach our Waxahachie office, 903-872-9910 to reach our Corsicana office, or  972-875-3668 to reach our Ennis office.