Ankle Pain

• Pain around the ankle joint, either constant or with specific movements
• Swelling, bruising, or stiffness
• A sense of instability or giving way
• Difficulty walking or bearing weight
• Pain that returns each time you resume activity

• Ligament injury such as an ankle sprain
• Fracture, which can occur alongside or instead of a sprain
• Tendon disorders, including Achilles tendon problems
• Arthritis and other joint conditions
• Nerve irritation
• A previous injury that never fully settled

1. We review your symptoms, activity or injury history, footwear, and medical history.
2. We examine the ankle, hindfoot, and surrounding tendons along with the surrounding joints and the way you walk.
3. We use X-rays or other testing when the findings make it clinically appropriate.
4. We explain what we found and what the reasonable options are for your situation.

You will see Dr. Kayla Wright, DPM, ABFAS Board Certified, at our Tempe office. New to the practice? Review new-patient information before your visit.

Care generally starts with the least invasive measures that fit your diagnosis and moves further only if it needs to. Which steps apply to you depends on your evaluation — this is a general sequence, not a plan for any individual patient.

1. Evaluation and diagnosis
2. Activity adjustment and home-care guidance
3. Footwear guidance, stretching, or a rehabilitation program
4. Padding, bracing, immobilization, or custom orthotics when indicated
5. In-office procedures when they are appropriate for the diagnosis
6. Other options such as MLS® Laser Therapy or Shockwave Therapy when they fit the problem
7. Surgery in selected cases after an appropriate course of nonsurgical care

An ankle injury that leaves you unable to bear weight, or that produces obvious deformity, should be evaluated rather than watched.

Some foot and ankle symptoms should be evaluated promptly rather than watched. Call our office if you notice:

• An injury with difficulty walking or bearing weight
• A change in the shape or appearance of the foot or ankle after a fall or twist
• Redness, warmth, drainage, or signs of infection
• An open sore or wound on the foot, especially with diabetes or circulation concerns
• New numbness, burning, or other changes in sensation
• Pain that keeps getting worse or does not improve with reasonable initial care

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. This website and its appointment tools are not monitored for emergency medical needs.

Is my ankle pain a sprain?

Possibly, but sprains and fractures can produce similar symptoms and can occur together. That distinction is made in person, with imaging when the findings call for it.

My ankle keeps rolling. Is that normal after a sprain?

Recurrent giving way is worth evaluating. An incompletely treated sprain can contribute to lasting pain or instability.

Do I need an X-ray?

Not always. Imaging is used when the examination suggests a fracture, tendon injury, joint injury, or another structural problem.

To be seen for ankle pain, request an appointment or call 480-831-0700. Our office is at 3231 S Country Club Way, Suite 108, in Tempe — see directions and parking.