It's a perfect Southern California day with endless possibilities. You're looking forward to a morning hike through Los Padres National Forest's scenic trails, an afternoon stroll along Ventura's coastal path, or simply keeping up with your busy schedule at work and home. Then suddenly, you feel a sharp pain that shoots through your ankle, or a persistent ache that worsens with every step. Just like that, your plans come to a halt.
If that scenario sounds familiar, you're not alone. Ankle pain affects millions of Americans each year. Whether your ankle pain resulted from a recent injury, has worsened over time, or seemingly appeared out of nowhere, Foot & Ankle Concepts' board-certified Southern California podiatrists can help you find relief.
With same-week appointments and locations throughout Ventura, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara Counties, we make it easy to get the expert care you need to get back on your feet.
Common Causes of Ankle Pain Our Southern California Podiatrists Treat
Our foot and ankle specialists offer comprehensive care for ankle conditions. Some of the most common causes of ankle pain we address include:
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Ankle sprains. These injuries occur when the ligaments connecting the bones in your ankle stretch or tear, typically from sudden twisting motions. Sprains range from mild (with minimal tearing and moderate pain) to severe (complete ligament tears with significant swelling and inability to bear weight).
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Ankle fractures. Broken ankle bones can result from falls, twisting injuries, or direct impact. Symptoms include immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. Proper treatment is essential to ensure correct alignment during healing.
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Achilles tendonitis. This painful condition involves inflammation of the large tendon connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone. It's common among runners and other active patients, especially those who suddenly increase their activity level.
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Arthritis. Several types of arthritis can affect the ankle joint, including osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear), rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune), and post-traumatic arthritis (after an injury). All types can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
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Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. This condition affects the tendon that supports your arch and helps your foot turn inward. When damaged, it can cause pain along the inside of the ankle and fallen arches.
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Peroneal tendonitis. Inflammation of the peroneal tendons on the outer side of the ankle can cause pain and instability, particularly during activities involving repetitive ankle motions.
Advanced Onsite Diagnostic Tools for Accurate Ankle Pain Assessment
Getting the correct diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. Our experienced Southern California podiatrists use comprehensive and state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to pinpoint the exact cause of your ankle pain. These include:
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Physical examinations. Our specialists perform detailed evaluations to assess ankle strength, range of motion, stability, and specific pain points.
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Gait analysis. Evaluating how you walk allows us to identify biomechanical issues that might contribute to your ankle pain.
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Digital X-rays. Our in-office digital X-ray systems provide immediate, high-resolution images to assess bone structure and detect fractures, arthritis, and alignment issues.
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Ultrasound imaging. This non-invasive technology allows us to visualize soft tissues in real time, helping identify tendon damage, ligament tears, and inflammation.
Having these advanced diagnostic capabilities in-house means that making additional appointments at imaging centers is unnecessary. By providing comprehensive care under one roof, we can save you time and get you on the path to recovery faster.
We Offer Effective Treatment Options for Ankle Pain
Our Southern California ankle pain experts offer an array of effective treatment options and develop personalized care plans based on your specific condition, lifestyle needs, and recovery goals. Depending on these and other crucial factors, your treatment plan may include:
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Physical therapy. Targeted exercises strengthen supporting muscles, improve flexibility, and restore proper movement patterns to promote healing and prevent recurrence.
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Braces and supportive devices. We offer braces and support that provide stability while allowing appropriate movement during the healing process.
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Custom orthotics. These prescription inserts support proper ankle alignment and function, reducing strain on injured structures and preventing future problems.
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EPAT shockwave therapy. A popular non-invasive treatment, shockwave therapy uses acoustic pressure waves to stimulate healing, increase blood flow, and reduce pain and inflammation in damaged soft tissues.
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MLS laser therapy. This advanced approach uses specialized wavelengths of light to reduce inflammation, decrease pain, and accelerate tissue repair without medication or side effects.
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Minimally invasive procedures. When conservative treatments aren't enough, we offer minimally invasive techniques that promote faster recovery with less downtime than traditional surgery.
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Surgical intervention. Our board-certified foot and ankle surgeons, Dr. Andrew Langroudi and Dr. Nasim Kalhor, provide expert surgical care when necessary, using the latest techniques for optimal outcomes.