Reasons for Pain on the Outer Ankle

Chronic lateral ankle pain, or recurring pain on the outer ankle, can result from an injury or the development of a painful ankle condition. This pain can start gradually or can develop suddenly. Sometimes the pain on the outer side of your ankle can progress to the point that walking becomes difficult.

Here are a few reasons you may be experiencing chronic lateral ankle pain.

What Is Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain

Consistent or consistently recurring pain in the outer side of the ankle is what’s known as chronic lateral ankle pain. Patients with this condition frequently report experiencing the following symptoms:

  • Ankle Instability

  • Swelling

  • Stiffness

  • Difficulty Walking

  • Tenderness

In most cases, chronic lateral ankle pain develops after a severe or repeated ankle sprain. When these sprains heal improperly, the connecting ligament between the bones in the ankle joint can be stretched or torn. 

Sometimes certain ankle conditions can result in lateral ankle pain. Other causes of outer ankle pain include:

  • A compression, entrapment, or injury to the nerves that pass through the ankle

  • Ankle tendonitis 

  • Ankle arthritis

  • A fracture in the ankle joint

  • Inflammation in the lining of  ankle joint

  • Scar tissue developing after an ankle sprain, which can put pressure on the ligaments

If you are experiencing any symptoms, it's essential to get your ankle treated by an orthopaedic ankle specialist. Failure to treat chronic lateral ankle pain can lead to more complex and debilitating orthopaedic ankle issues later in life.

Treating Outer Ankle Pain

The first step in treating your chronic lateral ankle pain is diagnosing the cause of this condition. At Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, Dr. Elton and his team will start by taking a medical history, performing a physical exam, and ordering necessary imaging tests. 

While treatment will vary based on your diagnosis and unique lifestyle needs, Dr. Elton will always recommend nonsurgical methods whenever possible. Conservative treatments for chronic lateral ankle pain include:

  • Anti-inflammatory Medications

  • Bracing

  • Ankle Immobilization

  • Physical therapy

  • Steroid injections 

If your condition is more severe or conservative methods have no impact, Dr. Elton may recommend surgical intervention. The exact type of surgery to treat your outer ankle pain will depend on the cause of the chronic pain. This surgery could be done arthroscopically or require open surgery. 

Some surgical treatment options for chronic lateral ankle pain include:

  • Removing loose bone or cartilage fragments

  • Cleaning the ankle joint or its surfaces

  • Repairing or reconstruction torn ankle ligaments 

  • Transfering tendons

Nearly all of these surgeries are offered on an outpatient basis. Recovering from lateral ankle surgery can take anywhere from six to ten weeks, but complete recovery depends on the procedure and your outcome goals. 

Pain on the Outer Side of Your Ankle? Contact Team Elton!

If you are experiencing chronic pain on the outer side of your ankle, contact Dr. Elton at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery. He and his expert team will work with you to diagnose your condition and design a treatment plan that gets you back to doing the activities you love.

Schedule your appointment today by calling (970) 476-7220 or through Dr. Elton’s online contact form. Let’s get you back on your feet!

Ankle InjuriesRachael ProtasVail Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgeryankle injuries, Ankle Pain, Ankle