The most common cause for a persistently painful ankle is incomplete healing after an ankle sprain.
When you sprain your ankle, the connecting tissue (ligament) between the bones is stretched or torn.
Without proper treatment and rehabilitation, the ligament or surrounding muscles may remain weak, resulting in instability and additional ankle injuries.
Non-surgical treatments
- Anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen to reduce swelling
- Physical therapy, including tilt-board exercises, directed at strengthening the muscles, restoring range of motion, and increasing your perception of joint position
- An ankle brace or other support
- An injection of a steroid medication
- In the case of a fracture, immobilization to allow the bone to heal
Surgical treatments
Most surgical procedures can be done on an outpatient basis using arthroscopic techniques.
- Removing (excising) loose fragments
- Cleaning (debriding) the joint or joint surface
- Repair or reconstruction of the ankle joint ligaments or transferring tendons