Ankle Pain Specialist in Mount Pleasant, SC
Persistent ankle pain can interfere with walking, exercise, work, and everyday activities. Whether your symptoms developed after an injury or have gradually worsened over time, an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward lasting relief.
Blake Ohlson, M.D. is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and regenerative medicine specialist providing comprehensive evaluation and treatment for ankle pain in Mount Pleasant, SC.
He diagnoses the underlying cause of ankle pain, including sprains, arthritis, tendon injuries, fractures, instability, and overuse conditions, and develops personalized treatment plans to restore mobility and reduce discomfort. Whenever possible, conservative treatments such as medications, physical therapy, bracing, regenerative medicine options, and activity modification are recommended before considering surgery.
What is Ankle Pain?
Ankle pain refers to any form of pain or discomfort affecting the ankle joint. Your ankles are more prone to injury and pain since they bear the weight of your entire body.
The ankle joint is composed of three bones: the tibia, fibula, and talus. It connects the leg to the foot. The tibia or shinbone, and fibula or calf bone, are lower leg bones that articulate with the talus or ankle bone. These bones are held together by a wide range of ligaments, tendons, and muscles which allow foot mobility.
What are the Causes of Ankle Pain?
Common causes of ankle pain include:
- Sprains due to stretching of ligaments
- Arthritis
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Nerve Damage (Neuropathy)
- Flatfeet
- Direct trauma
- Foot Tumors
- Fractures
- Infection
What are the Symptoms that Accompany Ankle Pain?
Some of the common signs and symptoms that accompany ankle pain include:
- Ankle swelling and redness
- Bruising
- Numbness or tingling sensation
- Stiffness and weakness
- Instability
- Inability to bear weight on the affected ankle
Diagnosis of Ankle Pain
Your doctor will review your symptoms and medical history and a physical examination of the ankle will be conducted. Your doctor may also recommend the following diagnostic tests:
- X-rays: This study uses electromagnetic beams to produce images of the bones and can detect fractures.
- CT scan: Special x-rays are used to produce images of any damage to the ligaments and tendons supporting the ankle
- MRI Scan: An imaging study that uses a large magnetic field and radio waves to detect any damage to the soft tissues.
- Ultrasound: This study uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the tissues while moving the ankle.
What are the Treatments for Ankle Pain?
Treatments for ankle pain include:
- Medications: Your doctor may prescribe analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen to relieve pain and inflammation caused by an ankle injury.
- Icing: Your doctor will advise you to apply an ice pack over a towel on the affected area for several minutes a day to relieve pain and swelling.
- Physical Therapy: Strengthening and stretching exercises may be recommended if you have arthritis to help improve range of motion and strengthen ankle muscles.
- Cortisone Injections: Injection of corticosteroid medication may help relieve pain and swelling.
- Casting and splinting: If an ankle fracture is noted but the bone is correctly positioned, your physician may place the broken ankle in a cast or splint until the bone heals satisfactorily.
- Closed reduction: If the ankle bone is displaced due to a fracture, your doctor will be able to gently manipulate and align the bones properly without the need for surgery. This procedure is called closed reduction and is performed under local anesthesia to numb the ankle area. Casting or splinting will then be performed.
Why Choose Dr. Blake Ohlson for Ankle Pain Treatment in Mount Pleasant, SC?
Finding the source of ankle pain requires careful evaluation and an individualized treatment approach. Dr. Blake Ohlson combines orthopedic expertise with advanced diagnostic techniques to identify the cause of your symptoms and recommend treatments that align with your lifestyle, activity level, and recovery goals.
Patients throughout Mount Pleasant and the surrounding Lowcountry choose Dr. Ohlson because he offers:
- Board-certified orthopedic expertise in foot and ankle conditions
- Comprehensive evaluation to identify the underlying cause of ankle pain
- Personalized treatment plans based on your condition and activity level
- Emphasis on non-surgical treatment whenever appropriate
- Advanced surgical care for complex injuries and chronic ankle conditions
- Regenerative medicine expertise to support healing in appropriate cases
- Comprehensive rehabilitation focused on restoring mobility, strength, and function
- Compassionate, patient-centered care from diagnosis through recovery
Whether your ankle pain is the result of an acute injury, arthritis, or a chronic condition, Dr. Ohlson is dedicated to helping you return to your daily activities with greater comfort and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ankle Pain
When should I see a doctor for ankle pain?
You should seek medical evaluation if your ankle pain is severe, follows an injury, prevents you from bearing weight, causes significant swelling or deformity, or persists for more than a few days despite rest and home care.
What is the most common cause of ankle pain?
Ankle sprains are among the most common causes of ankle pain. However, fractures, arthritis, tendon injuries, instability, nerve problems, and overuse injuries can also produce similar symptoms.
How is ankle pain diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically includes a detailed medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, CT scans, or ultrasound when necessary to identify injuries involving bones, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, or other soft tissues.
Can ankle pain be treated without surgery?
Yes. Many ankle conditions improve with conservative treatments such as rest, ice, medications, bracing, physical therapy, orthotics, activity modification, or injections. Surgery is generally considered only when non-surgical treatments fail or when significant structural damage is present.
How long does ankle pain take to heal?
Recovery depends on the underlying cause. Mild sprains may improve within a few weeks, while fractures, tendon injuries, or chronic conditions may require several months of treatment and rehabilitation.
What should I do immediately after an ankle injury?
Rest the ankle, apply ice for 15–20 minutes several times a day, use compression with an elastic bandage, elevate the ankle above heart level, and avoid putting weight on it until evaluated if symptoms are severe.
Can ankle arthritis cause chronic pain?
Yes. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis can all cause persistent ankle pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility that may gradually worsen over time.
When is surgery recommended for ankle pain?
Surgery may be recommended when ankle pain is caused by severe fractures, chronic instability, tendon ruptures, advanced arthritis, or other conditions that do not respond to conservative treatment.
Schedule an Ankle Pain Evaluation in Mount Pleasant, SC
If ankle pain is limiting your mobility, affecting your work, or preventing you from enjoying your favorite activities, don't wait to seek expert care. Dr. Blake Ohlson provides comprehensive diagnosis and personalized treatment for a wide range of ankle conditions in Mount Pleasant, SC.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn about the treatment options available to help relieve pain, restore function, and get you back to an active lifestyle.