Chronic pain is something many of us live with while trying to find ways to become accustomed to it. For those with chronic ankle pain, it may be more important to find out what is causing the pain than simply learning to live with it. The initial injury may seem inconsequential, but the pain that lingers may be a sign of a deeper injury that is lurking.
Chronic ankle pain is indicative of more serious problems below the surface and should be addressed. Injuries to tendons such as the peroneal tendons which stabilize the ankle joint may worsen over time and jeopardize the stability of the joint.
Located behind the fibula, one of the three bones that comprise the ankle joint which is also called the ankle mortise, peroneal tendons can become inflamed from injury and swelling. In extreme cases, they may tear. Additionally, ligaments that hold tendons in place are also jeopardized and become unstable.
Ankle injuries can be diagnosed in several ways. X-rays and Computed Tomography scanning (CT Scan) may show bony abnormalities and fractures, but Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the gold standard for catching even subtle injuries to tendons or ligaments, and may also indicate if there is a fracture present.
Those suspecting that their ankle injury may be more than a simple sprain may take note of several points that indicate a possible peroneal tendon injury. If the chronic ankle pain is not resolving over time with treatment, or the pain is located posterior or behind the fibula you should definitely contact your physician in Boca Raton. Pain may also radiate from the ankle through the foot and there may also be swelling present on the outside or lateral aspect of the affected ankle.
