3 Reasons to See a Podiatrist for Your Ankle Pain

Ankle pain has a way of disrupting your day. It can affect your workouts, cause issues walking, and eventually cause pain even at rest. When the discomfort becomes persistent or recurring, it’s time to get help.

With every step you take, your ankles absorb forces up to five times your body weight — and up to 13 times your body weight when you run or jump.

It’s no surprise that ankle pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints. It’s highest among athletes, females, and adolescents. If you’re dealing with ongoing ankle pain, don’t brush it off.

Andrew McCall, DPM, FACFAS, specializes in the intricate structure of the foot and ankle and can spot problems that are easy to miss. Dr. McCall and the rest of our team at Alpine Foot and Ankle help patients get to the root of ankle pain so they can move comfortably again. Here are three signs that it’s time to see a podiatrist about your ankle pain.

1. Common issues behind ankle pain

The ankle is a complex network of bones, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and joints working together. Pain can result from various sources, including:

Ligament sprains or chronic ankle instability
Tendon injuries such as peroneal or Achilles tendonitis
Arthritis or cartilage damage
Nerve compression or irritation
Old injuries that never fully healed

Because symptoms often overlap, it’s easy for people to try and treat the wrong problem. A podiatrist is trained to evaluate how all of these structures interact. Our team performs a thorough exam and uses imaging when needed to pinpoint the exact source of pain. An accurate diagnosis is essential to recommending the most appropriate treatment plan.

2. Early treatment helps prevent long-term instability

Many people try to push through ankle pain, especially if they’ve had prior sprains. Unfortunately, untreated injuries can weaken the ligaments that stabilize the ankle, leading to chronic instability.

When an ankle repeatedly rolls or feels unreliable, it places extra stress on surrounding joints and increases the risk of falls and future injuries. Over time, this can contribute to joint degeneration and chronic pain.

Seeing a podiatrist early allows for targeted treatment that protects the ankle before lasting damage occurs. Treatment may include bracing, physical therapy, custom orthotics, or minimally invasive procedures when appropriate. Addressing instability early on often shortens recovery time and reduces the need for surgery down the road.

3. Specialized care supports faster, safer recovery

At Alpine Foot and Ankle, we offer personalized care with a goal of restoring pain-free function. Dr. McCall focuses on biomechanics, gait, and proper alignment to ensure that your ankle heals correctly. He considers your activity level, footwear, work demands, and long-term goals when creating a treatment plan.

For some patients, this includes advanced options such as minimally invasive surgery or innovative nerve treatments when conservative care hasn’t provided relief. This approach helps patients return to daily activities, sports, and work with better strength, and stability.

Take ankle pain seriously

Ankle pain may start small, but it can quickly limit mobility and independence or sideline you from your favorite activities if left untreated. Seeing a podiatrist gives you access to expertise and treatment options designed specifically for the foot and ankle.

If ankle pain is slowing you down, don’t wait for it to worsen. Contact Alpine Foot and Ankle today in Idaho Falls, Idaho, or Alpine, Wyoming, to schedule an evaluation with Dr. McCall.