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Waldorf Office

(301)-843-9581

Clinton Office

(301)-868-3899

California Office

(301)-690-6044

Why Does My Ankle Hurt?

You sprained your ankle a while ago but thought it was all healed. Now it’s hurting again and sometimes the pain is severe. You are also noticing that it gets stiff and tender and sometimes there’s swelling. You may be experiencing chronic lateral ankle pain, a recurring pain on the outside part of the ankle that often develops after a sprain or other ankle injury. At Southern Maryland Foot & Ankle this is a condition that we treat often. Although ankle sprains and injuries are the most common cause of chronic lateral ankle pain, there are other causes, including:

  • Arthritis of the ankle joint
  • Injury to the nerves that go through the ankle. Nerves can become stretched, torn, pinched under pressure, or injured by a direct blow
  • Scar tissue in the ankle after an injury
  • Torn or inflamed tendon
  • A fracture in one of the bones that makes up the ankle joint

Treatment for Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain

First, one of our board certified foot and ankle surgeons, Dr. Larry Hotchkiss or Dr. Gregory Cardinal will want to examine your foot and ankle and take a complete medical history, including any injuries you have previously had to the ankle or foot. They may order digital x-rays which can be done in either our Clinton or Waldorf office. Once a diagnosis of chronic lateral ankle pain is definite, the podiatrist will work with you to devise the best treatment plan which may include any or all of the following:

  • Over the counter or prescription anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling
  • Ankle braces or other supports
  • Physical therapy, including tilt-board exercises that focus on strengthening muscles, restoring range of motion and making you more aware of joint position
  • Steroid medication
  • Immobilization if a fracture is detected to allow the bone to heal

You don’t have to live with chronic ankle pain. Call our Clinton office at (301) 868 – 3899 or our Waldorf office at (301) 843 – 9581 and make an appointment to see one of our foot doctors so you can get on the path to living and moving without pain.

Our Locations

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule (Closed for Lunch from 11:30 am - 12:15 pm)

Clinton Office

Monday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

7:00 am-3:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Waldorf Office

Monday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

7:00 am-3:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

California Office

Monday:

Closed

Tuesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

Closed

Thursday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed