Denton County Living Well Magazine Winter 2015 | Page 25

Ankle
Pain
and
Ankle
Scopes
By Chantell Peterson

T

he ankle is composed of bones, muscles, tendons
and ligaments that support the weight of the body
and allows it to move. Since the ankles hold the
weight of the body a lot of strain is placed on them.
Because the ankle plays such a vital role in our
daily functions, when ankle pain is experienced, it can be
very burdensome and limit one’s abilities.
Ankle pain is often due to an ankle sprain and can be
caused by an injury, ankle instability, arthritis, gout, fractures, nerve compressions (or tarsal tunnel syndrome),
Achilles tendonitis, tendonitis, infection and poor structural
alignment of the leg or foot. Ankle pain can also be associated with swelling, redness, bruising, stiffness, numbness,
tingling, burning and warmth in that area. Sometimes the
pain can be dull, piercing, throbbing and even intense.
Often weakness occurs in the ankle which then causes instability and problems walking due to limited movement in
those joints.
The doctors at Southwest Foot and Ankle Center specialize
in the treatment, diagnosis and prevention of ankle conditions. Our doctors can evaluate your condition to determine
the best treatment options available for your condition. Initial treatment for some may consist of rest, ice, elevation,
and immobilization and may also include nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, physical therapy,
and cortisone injections. It is best to let a certified doctor
determine treatment so that you do not further damage the

ankle, thus causing more problems or worsening your condition.
While the vast majority of ankle conditions are minor and
may only require conservative treatment, others can be a
bit more complex. Some people may experience ankle fractures or ankle arthritis and may need an ankle fusion, triple
fusion or ankle replacement. With new technology being
introduced every day, the surgeries required to fix these
conditions are minimally invasive and day surgeries with
very little to no down time. Some people think that orthopedic doctors are the only ones who handle these procedures
but in fact foot and ankle specialists are more specialized
in this area.
The main goal with any ankle surgery is to get the ankle
joint to heal back to its normal shape. This will allow the
ankle to regain normal movement and hopefully decrease
the chances of ankle arthritis in the future. As with any
condition, it is always best to treat the condition as early
as possible to improve the overall health and function of
that area.
If you or someone you know experiences ankle pain or
ankle problems, call our office today at 972-316-0902 for
an evaluation. Once our doctors diagnose and treat your
condition, you will be on the road to fast recovery and up
and running in no time. Why wait, call today! We are here
to help improve your life and help you become pain free.

Dr. Reza Mobarak heads the Southwest Foot and Ankle Center with offices in
Plano, Lewisville and Irving and may be reached at 972-316-0902.
DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | WINTER 2015

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