Ankle Pain

Sample Solution

  Ankle Pain Ankle pain is a common complaint that can be caused by a variety of injuries or conditions. The most common cause of ankle pain is a sprain, which is an injury to the ligaments that support the ankle joint. Other causes of ankle pain include fractures, tendinitis, arthritis, and bursitis.

Full Answer Section

  Anatomical Structures Involved The ankle joint is a complex joint that is made up of three bones: the talus, the tibia, and the fibula. The talus is the bone that sits on top of the tibia and fibula, and it is responsible for transferring weight from the foot to the leg. The ligaments that support the ankle joint are located on the sides of the joint, and they help to keep the bones in place. Other Symptoms to Explore In addition to pain, other symptoms that may be associated with ankle pain include:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tenderness
• Difficulty walking
• Loss of range of motion

Differential Diagnoses The differential diagnoses for ankle pain include:

• Ankle sprain
• Ankle fracture
• Tendinitis
• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Inflammatory arthritis
• Infection

Physical Examination The physical examination of the ankle will typically include:

• Inspection: The doctor will look at the ankle for any signs of swelling, bruising, or deformity.
• Palpation: The doctor will feel the ankle for any tenderness or pain.
• Range of motion testing: The doctor will assess the range of motion of the ankle joint.
• Special maneuvers: The doctor may perform special maneuvers to test for specific injuries, such as the anterior drawer test and the talar tilt test.

Special Maneuvers The anterior drawer test is a special maneuver that is used to test for an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. The talar tilt test is a special maneuver that is used to test for a lateral ligament sprain. Ottawa Ankle Rules The Ottawa ankle rules are a set of criteria that can be used to determine if a patient with ankle pain needs additional testing, such as an X-ray. The Ottawa ankle rules are as follows:

• Age over 50
• Inability to bear weight immediately after the injury
• Bone tenderness over the lateral malleolus or medial malleolus
• Inability to dorsiflex the foot 45 degrees

If a patient meets any of these criteria, they should be referred for an X-ray. Treatment The treatment for ankle pain will depend on the underlying cause of the pain. In the case of a sprain, the treatment will typically involve rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Other treatments for ankle pain may include physical therapy, medication, or surgery. Conclusion Ankle pain is a common complaint that can be caused by a variety of injuries or conditions. The diagnosis of ankle pain is made based on the patient's history, physical examination, and imaging studies. The treatment for ankle pain will depend on the underlying cause of the pain.