Ankle Pain

Expert Ankle Care with Dr. Burke


Personalized Ankle Treatment from Dr. Burke – Your Path to Recovery


At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we understand how frustrating and painful ankle issues can be. Dr. Burke is dedicated to offering personalized care that meets your unique needs, using advanced techniques to get you back on your feet. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden injury or a chronic condition, Dr. Burke is here to help you recover and regain your quality of life.

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Common Causes of Ankle Pain

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1. Ankle Sprains (Ligament Injury)

An ankle sprain can happen to anyone, but that doesn’t make it any less painful. Dr. Burke specializes in treating sprains, whether they’re mild or severe. An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that support your ankle are overstretched or torn, usually from an awkward twist or turn.

Symptoms:


  • Sharp pain in the ankle, especially when bearing weight
  • Swelling and bruising around the joint
  • Limited range of motion and stiffness


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke will thoroughly examine your ankle to assess the severity of the sprain. He often recommends the R.I.C.E method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) to reduce swelling and pain. In more severe cases, physical therapy is introduced to restore strength and balance.
  • Surgical Options: If your sprain is severe and involves significant ligament damage, Dr. Burke may suggest surgery to repair or reconstruct the ligaments.


Recovery Time:


  • With Dr. Burke’s treatment plan, mild sprains generally heal within 2-4 weeks. Severe sprains may take 6-12 weeks to fully recover, particularly if surgery is required.

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2. Fractures

An ankle fracture can be debilitating, but Dr. Burke will be by your side every step of the way to ensure your recovery is smooth. A fracture occurs when one or more of the bones in your ankle joint break due to trauma, such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury.

Symptoms:


  • Intense, immediate pain in the ankle
  • Swelling, bruising, and deformity in severe cases
  • Inability to bear weight on the affected ankle


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke will perform a thorough physical examination and use imaging tests like X-rays to determine the extent of the fracture. If the fracture is minor, he may recommend immobilization with a cast or brace to allow the bone to heal.
  • Surgical Options: For more complex fractures, Dr. Burke may suggest surgery to realign the bones and stabilize the joint with screws, plates, or rods.


Recovery Time:


  • With Dr. Burke’s expertise, non-surgical recovery typically takes 6-8 weeks. For surgical cases, recovery may extend to 10-12 weeks, followed by physical therapy to restore strength and mobility.

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3. Arthritis (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis)

Ankle arthritis can be a long-term challenge, but with Dr. Burke’s comprehensive care, you don’t have to face it alone. arthritis occurs when the cartilage in your ankle joint wears down, either from wear and tear (osteoarthritis) or an autoimmune condition (rheumatoid arthritis).

Symptoms:


  • Persistent pain in the ankle that worsens with activity
  • Swelling and stiffness, especially after rest
  • Reduced range of motion in the ankle joint


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke will create a personalized treatment plan to manage your arthritis, which may include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and custom orthotics to reduce joint strain.
  • Surgical Options: In cases where arthritis significantly limits mobility and conservative treatments are no longer effective, Dr. Burke may recommend ankle fusion or replacement surgery to restore function and relieve pain.


Recovery Time:


  • With Dr. Burke’s non-surgical treatments, you may see improvement within a few weeks to months. After surgery, recovery may take 3-6 months, but Dr. Burke will guide you through each step of rehabilitation.

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4. Tendonitis (Inflammation of Tendons)

Tendonitis in the ankle can be frustrating, especially if it interferes with your daily activities. Dr. Burke has extensive experience in treating tendonitis, which occurs when the tendons around your ankle become inflamed due to overuse or repetitive motion.

Symptoms:


  • Pain and swelling along the tendons
  • Stiffness, particularly after periods of inactivity
  • Tenderness when pressing on the affected area


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke will assess your condition and often recommends a combination of rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy to alleviate pain and restore flexibility.
  • Surgical Options: If the tendon has been significantly damaged or ruptured, Dr. Burke may recommend surgery to repair the tendon and prevent long-term issues.


Recovery Time:


  • Non-surgical recovery typically takes 4-6 weeks under Dr. Burke’s care. For surgical cases, recovery can take several months, but Dr. Burke will be there every step of the way, providing guidance and support.

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5. Achilles Tendon Injury

Achilles tendon injuries can be debilitating, but Dr. Burke has extensive experience in helping patients recover and return to full activity. The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone and is prone to injury, especially in athletes.

Symptoms:


  • Pain and stiffness in the back of the ankle
  • Swelling or tenderness along the Achilles tendon
  • Difficulty walking or standing on your toes
  • A popping sensation in cases of tendon rupture


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke will assess the severity of your Achilles injury through a detailed examination and imaging tests. For less severe injuries, he may recommend rest, physical therapy, and custom orthotics to reduce strain on the tendon.
  • Surgical Options: For more severe injuries, such as a tendon rupture, Dr. Burke will perform surgery to reattach the tendon and restore function.


Recovery Time:


  • Under Dr. Burke’s expert care, non-surgical recovery typically takes 4-6 weeks, with physical therapy playing a key role. For surgical cases, recovery can extend to 3-6 months, but Dr. Burke will tailor a rehabilitation plan specific to your needs.

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6. Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis that affects the ankle when uric acid crystals build up in the joint. Dr. Burke offers comprehensive treatment options to help you manage this condition and prevent future flare-ups.

Symptoms:


  • Sudden, intense pain in the ankle joint
  • Redness, swelling, and warmth around the affected area
  • Limited movement due to pain


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke will work with you to manage your gout with medications that reduce uric acid levels and anti-inflammatory treatments to alleviate pain during flare-ups.
  • Surgical Options: Surgery is rarely necessary, but in severe cases where gout has caused joint damage, Dr. Burke may recommend surgical intervention.


Recovery Time:


  • Gout attacks usually subside within a few days to weeks with proper treatment from Dr. Burke. Long-term management involves maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle to prevent future attacks.

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7. Bursitis

Bursitis occurs when the small, fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the ankle joints become inflamed. Dr. Burke specializes in treating bursitis with a range of non-invasive options.

Symptoms:


  • Pain and swelling around the ankle
  • Tenderness when pressing on the inflamed area
  • Difficulty moving the ankle due to stiffness


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke will recommend a treatment plan that includes rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy to reduce inflammation and improve mobility.
  • Surgical Options: While surgery is rarely necessary, Dr. Burke may suggest it in chronic cases that don’t respond to conservative treatments.


Recovery Time:


  • Most patients see improvement within 4-6 weeks of treatment under Dr. Burke’s care, with a gradual return to normal activities.

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8. Nerve Compression (Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome)

Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tibial nerve is compressed as it passes through the ankle, leading to pain and discomfort. Dr. Burke has successfully treated many patients with this condition, helping them regain mobility and reduce pain.

Symptoms:


  • Burning pain or tingling sensation in the ankle and foot
  • Numbness or weakness in the foot
  • Pain that worsens with prolonged activity


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the extent of nerve compression. Non-surgical treatments like rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy are often recommended.
  • Surgical Options: If conservative measures fail, Dr. Burke may perform surgery to release the compressed nerve and alleviate pain.


Recovery Time:


  • With Dr. Burke’s care, non-surgical recovery typically takes 4-6 weeks. Post-surgical recovery can take several months, but you’ll have Dr. Burke guiding you every step of the way.

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  • Personalized Care
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Get Same-Day Diagnosis
and Treatment with Dr. Burke

Don’t let ankle pain hold you back any longer. Dr. Burke and his team are committed to providing the care you need to get moving again, and we offer same-day appointments for diagnosis and treatment. Whether you need an evaluation, a second opinion, or advanced treatment options, call Dr. Burke Orthopedics today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a pain-free life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • How do I know if my ankle pain requires medical attention?
    If you experience persistent pain, swelling, bruising, or difficulty bearing weight on your ankle, it’s a good idea to see Dr. Burke for an evaluation. These symptoms could indicate a sprain, fracture, or other injury that requires treatment.
  • What is the difference between a sprained ankle and a fractured ankle?
    A sprain involves stretching or tearing of the ligaments, while a fracture involves a break in one of the bones in the ankle. Both can cause pain and swelling, but a fracture typically leads to more intense pain, especially when trying to put weight on the affected foot.
  • Can I recover from an ankle injury without surgery?
    Many ankle injuries can heal with conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, and bracing. Dr. Burke will assess your condition and recommend the best treatment plan for your specific needs. Surgery is only suggested when absolutely necessary.
  • How soon can I return to sports or physical activity after an ankle injury?
    The recovery time depends on the type and severity of your injury. Minor sprains may allow you to return to activity within a few weeks, while more serious injuries like fractures or tendon ruptures may require a longer recovery period. Dr. Burke will work with you to develop a safe and effective rehabilitation plan.
  • What are the risks of not treating an ankle injury?
    Without proper treatment, ankle injuries can lead to chronic pain, instability, and an increased risk of future injuries. Delayed treatment may also cause long-term damage to the ankle joint or surrounding ligaments.

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