Pittsburgh’s Trusted Foot & Ankle Specialists
Ankle Injuries & Conditions
The ankles are a hardworking part of the body, especially if you're an athlete. During sports, your ankles are subject to a lot of stress, which can lead to injuries. While some ankle injuries can be treated at home with ice and rest, others may require more intensive treatment from a sports medicine specialist.
At Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement Specialists, our team of foot & ankle specialists is proud to have provided patients with state-of-the-art ankle pain treatment for a combined 40 years and counting. We’re committed to offering patients the least invasive, most conservative treatments available, ensuring that your recovery is as quick, effective, and affordable as possible. When you receive care from Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement Specialists, you’re not just another patient – you’re a member of our family.
Whether you need ankle replacement surgery or a simple splint, we’re here to help. If you’re ready to find the ankle pain relief you deserve, don’t wait – schedule an appointment with Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement Specialists today.
Experienced, Compassionate Ankle Doctor Near You
Causes & Common Types of Sports Ankle Injuries
There are several different types of ankle injuries that can occur during sports, oftentimes caused by overuse, repetitive motions, or even a single traumatic injury. If you're experiencing any pain or discomfort in your ankles, it's important to seek medical attention to determine the cause and get an accurate diagnosis.
At Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement Specialists, we have years of combined experience in treating a wide variety of ankle conditions for all types of athletes. Some of the most common ankle injuries we see include:
- Achilles tendonitis: This condition is caused by the overuse of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Symptoms include pain and stiffness in the back of the leg or ankle, and swelling.
- Ankle impingement: This occurs when the bones in the ankle joint rub against each other, causing pain and swelling. It can be caused by overuse, repetitive motions, or a single traumatic injury.
- Ankle sprains: This is the most common type of ankle injury, caused by the stretching or tearing of ligaments. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and instability.
- Fractures: A fracture is a break in the bone, and can occur in the ankle from a direct blow or from twisting or turning the ankle in an unnatural way. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and instability.
If you're experiencing chronic ankle pain, don't let it sideline you from the sport you love. Come see us at Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement Specialists for an evaluation. We'll work with you to develop a treatment plan that gets you back in the game as quickly and safely as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of injury requires an ankle joint replacement?
The most common type of ankle joint replacement is for end-stage arthritis. This is when the cartilage in the joint has been completely worn away, causing bone-on-bone contact. This can be incredibly painful and make it difficult to walk or even put weight on your foot.
Other reasons you may need an ankle joint replacement include:
- Severe trauma to the ankle
- Severe deformity of the ankle
- Failed previous attempts at joint fusion surgery
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, we recommend coming in for a consultation with one of our sports medicine specialists. We'll be able to determine if an ankle joint replacement is the best course of treatment for you.
How can I find short-term relief for ankle pain?
If you're experiencing ankle pain and you don’t have a severe, emergent injury, it’s still important to visit an ankle specialist in order to determine the underlying cause. In the meantime, however, there are a few things you can do at home to find relief.
These include:
- RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation): This is a common treatment for many types of injuries, including ankle injuries. By resting the ankle and applying ice for 20 minutes at a time, you can help reduce inflammation and pain.
- Over-the-counter medication: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and swelling. Be sure to follow the package directions carefully and never take more than the recommended dosage.
- Wear supportive shoes: If you have flat feet or low arches, wearing supportive shoes can help take the pressure off of your ankles. This can help reduce pain and prevent further injury.
Do you accept insurance for ankle injury treatment?
Yes! Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement Specialists is proud to accept a wide variety of insurances across Western PA, Ohio, and West Virginia for ankle joint replacement and other ankle treatments. For patients in the Pittsburgh area, we accept both Highmark and UPMC. View our Insurance page to see our list of providers, and if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our knowledgeable and friendly staff.
How can I get started with the best ankle specialist near me?
The team at Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement Specialists is passionate about making our care as easy to access as possible for all of our future patients. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment, just use our Online Tool to select a time that works best for you.