Foot and ankle problems are prevalent medical issues, particularly among the elderly, who often suffer from pain, stiffness, swelling, or deformities. Common diagnoses include conditions such as corns, athlete's foot, bunions, flat feet, ingrown nails, and warts. Aging-related muscle mass and loss of bone strength may increase seniors' risk for injuries and fractures, compounded by balance and vision issues. Key foot and ankle injuries in the elderly include ankle sprains, where the ligaments are overstretched or torn, potentially weakening the ankle and leading to arthritis, if untreated. Achilles tendonitis and tears are also common. The Achilles is vulnerable to inflammation and overuse, which can escalate to tears or ruptures, especially with sudden trauma. Ankle fractures are serious injuries from traumatic impact, requiring immediate podiatric attention to prevent complications such as infections. The spectrum of foot and ankle injuries in the elderly ranges from minor, treatable conditions to severe injuries necessitating medical intervention, highlighting the need for attentive care to prevent these issues. If you are elderly and have foot or ankle problems, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. James Kutchback from James Kutchback, DPM, ABLES, CWS-P. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
- Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
- Ankle sprains
- Broken ankles
- Achilles tendonitis
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Stress fractures
- Bursitis
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Plantar fasciitis
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.