Causes, Treatment, Recovery, and More

When surrounding structures put pressure on a nerve, it’s referred to as a pinched nerve. It causes symptoms in the part of the body that’s supplied by that nerve.

This article describes the causes and treatment of a pinched nerve in your knee.

A nerve becomes pinched when too much pressure is placed on it by the bone, tissue, or other structures around it.

This injures the nerve so it can’t function properly.

Although it’s most commonly associated with the nerves in your back, almost any nerve in your body can become pinched. Doctors call it nerve compression or entrapment.

There’s only one nerve going through your knee that’s at risk of being compressed. It’s a branch of your sciatic nerve called the peroneal nerve.

This nerve goes around the outside of your knee before traveling down the outside of your lower leg.

At the bottom of your knee, it lies between the bone and skin, which makes it vulnerable to compression by anything that puts pressure on the outside of your knee.

Traumatic injuries can lead to pressure on the nerve from inside your knee.

Common causes of a pinched nerve in your knee include:

• Crossing your legs. Compression by the opposite knee while you cross your legs is the most common cause.
• Squatting for long periods of time. This position put pressure on the side of your knee.
• Bone fracture. A fracture of the larger lower leg bone (tibia) or occasionally the smaller bone (fibula) near your knee can entrap the nerve.
• Knee ligament injury. The nerve can be pinched due to bleeding or inflammation when your ligament is injured.
• Lower leg cast. The top of the cast can press on the nerve.
• Knee brace. A tight or rigid brace can compress the nerve.
• Knee-high boots. When the top of a boot lands right below the knee, a pinched nerve can develop.
• Gynecologic or abdominal surgery. The equipment used to keep your legs rotated outward and knees flexed for most gynecologic and some abdominal surgeries can compress the nerve.
• Prolonged bed rest. Your legs tend to rotate outward and your knees flex while lying down, and the bed can put pressure on the nerve in this position.
• Thigh-high compression stockings. Designed to maintain pressure on your legs, these stockings can compress the nerve.
• Tumors or cysts. These can cause pressure when they’re located in or around the nerve.
• Complication of knee surgery. Rarely, the nerve is inadvertently pinched during knee replacement surgery or an arthroscopic procedure.

The peroneal nerve supplies both sensation and movement to the outside of your lower leg and the top of your foot. When it’s compressed, it becomes inflamed, which causes the symptoms of a pinched nerve.

Usually only the lining, or myelin, around the nerve is injured. When the nerve itself is also damaged, the symptoms are the same but more severe.

Weakness that limits your ability to lift your foot toward your leg, known as dorsiflexion, is often considered the most bothersome symptom. This causes your foot to drag when you walk.

Your ability to turn your foot outward and extend your big toe are also affected.

Other symptoms of a pinched peroneal nerve are felt on the outside of your lower leg and on the top of your foot. These include:

• numbness
• tingling or pins and needles feeling
• burning
• pain
• loss of sensation

If you’ve had a pinched nerve for two or more weeks, the muscles supplied by the nerve can begin to waste away.

Your symptoms may be intermittent or continuous depending on what’s pushing on the nerve.

The other common cause of these symptoms is a pinched nerve in your lumbar spine. When this is the cause, you’ll also have pain in your lower back or the back and outside of your thigh.

Your doctor will take your medical history and perform an exam to try to make a diagnosis and determine the cause.

The nerve in your knee can be felt as it travels around the top of your tibia, so your doctor may tap on it. If you feel a shooting pain down your leg, you probably have a pinched peroneal nerve.

Tests your doctor may order include:

• Knee X-ray: shows any bone fractures or masses
• Knee MRI: can confirm the diagnosis and show masses within the nerve and details of fractures of other problems in your bones
• Electromyogram (EMG): tests electrical activity in your muscles
• Nerve conduction test: tests the speed of signals in the nerve

The problem or activity that’s causing the pinched nerve should be treated or corrected first.

Treatment is aimed at reducing pain and improving mobility.

Over-the-counter pain medication

Any medication that reduces inflammation can improve your symptoms, such as anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen and naproxen.

Heat or ice

Applying either heat or ice for 15 to 20 minutes at a time can give some relief from the symptoms.

If you’ve lost sensation, you have to be careful you don’t get frostbite or a burn on your skin. An ice pack can make your symptoms worse if it puts too much pressure on the nerve.

Corticosteroid injection

A corticosteroid injection can reduce the inflammation, which reduces the pressure on your nerve.

Orthotic boot

If your gait is affected because you can’t bend your foot, an orthotic boot can help. This is a support that keeps your foot in a neutral position so you can walk normally.

Surgery

Your doctor can perform surgery to correct a fracture, tumor, or other invasive problem causing a pinched nerve.

If conservative treatment doesn’t work, a procedure called peroneal nerve decompression can done to remove the pressure on your nerve.

Physical therapy

Your nerve can be permanently damaged if it’s pinched for a long time. If that happens, it can’t be fixed with surgery. Physical therapy can be helpful for strengthening and gait training

Usually a pinched peroneal nerve will get better on its own within days to weeks once you stop the behavior or fix the condition that’s causing it.

If surgery is needed, your symptoms should disappear immediately, but it takes about four months to recover from surgery.

Things you can do to prevent a pinched peroneal nerve include:

• Avoid behaviors and activities that cause it such as crossing your legs, frequent squatting, and wearing knee-high boots.
• Tell your doctor if a cast or brace feels tight or is causing numbness or pain in your leg.
• Use devices that softly hold your ankles to prevent leg rotation during prolonged bed rest.
• Reposition yourself frequently during prolonged bed rest to avoid continuous pressure on the side of your knee.

The peroneal nerve that runs along the outside of your knee can become pinched when it’s compressed. Crossing your legs is the most common cause but anything outside or inside your knee that puts pressure on the nerve can do it.

A pinched nerve in the knee usually heals itself when the cause is removed, but surgery is sometimes needed to relieve the pressure.

What We Know About Sciatica Knee Pain

It’s no secret that your knees can take a beating. They are two of the most essential, load-bearing joints in the body. However, as a result, this also means they can be susceptible to a number of different issues that can result in pain, discomfort, or other symptoms. This can include—but is not limited to—sciatica.

What Is Sciatica?

“Sciatica is pain in the back and buttock due to spine disease,” states Joshua M. Ammerman, M.D., a board-certified neurosurgeon who serves as chief of the neurosurgery section and chair of the Department of Surgery at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C. The pain is the result of compression, irritation, or inflammation of the sciatic nerve or nerve roots in the low back.

Spine diseases that can result in sciatica include:

• Degenerative disc disease (DDD): When the discs between the vertebrae wear down with time and stress

• Disc herniation: Where the inside of the discs between the vertebrae leak out and compress/irritate surrounding nerves

• Spinal stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal that can pinch nerves

• Spondylolisthesis: A condition that occurs when one vertebra in the back slips forward onto the one directly below it

How Can Sciatica Cause Knee Pain?

The problem with sciatica is that the issues it can cause don’t stop with the back. In fact, sciatic nerve pain and other related symptoms can take a trip all the way down to the end of your leg and make a pit stop in your knee via a branch of the sciatic nerve known as the peroneal nerve. This can cause symptoms in your knee such as:

• A dull ache, warm sensation, or sharp pain anywhere around the knee

• An inability to straighten your knee

• Buckling of the knee

• Problems with bearing weight on the knee

In short: Because sciatica is most commonly caused by an issue in the low back, it can travel to other parts of the body and cause problems. For example, “If arthritis in the spine is pressing on the L3-L4 level nerves it can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in that nerve’s distribution,” says Dr. Ammerman. [Arthritis is a broad term used to cover conditions that cause pain and swelling in the joints.] “Those nerves travel out of the back, through the buttock, along the front of the thigh, and terminate at the knee.

“Additionally, though knee pain due to sciatica is somewhat uncommon, many patients with spine disease have an abnormal gait pattern, which can also stress the knee and lead to local pain.”

What Are Some More Common Causes of Knee Pain?

“The most common cause would be degenerative arthritis of the knee joint,” Dr. Ammerman says. “In addition, gout can cause knee pain and—though less common—infections of the knee joint.”

It’s also worth noting that knee pain and discomfort can be caused by things other than an underlying disease or condition. These can include:

• Heavy physical activity that puts additional and/or repeated strain on the knee

• Lack of physical activity

• Strains and sprains of the tendons/ligaments/muscles within the structure of the knee

How Long Does Sciatica-Related Knee Pain Last?

If sciatica is truly the cause of your knee pain, then it will only last if your sciatica does. That said, how long your sciatica will drag out depends on the type of sciatica: acute or chronic.

An acute sciatic episode will typically resolve within a few weeks, and you may have a few episodes a year. However, chronic sciatica is a lifelong condition that will not really resolve on its own without intervention by a specialist.

How Is Sciatica Treated?

In most cases, sciatica can be treated conservatively. Most patients with sciatica symptoms improve over time and respond well to non-surgical treatments, such as medication, exercise and special sciatica stretches, and physical therapy (PT). Spinal manipulation, such as chiropractic care, also can help reduce sciatica symptoms.

“I always recommend beginning with rest, ice, and elevation,” Dr. Ammerman says. “If those do not solve the issue, then the judicious use of NSAIDs [non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen] can be very helpful. For symptoms that do not respond to the above measure or persist beyond a few weeks, a consultation with a physician is appropriate. ”

What At-Home Stretches Can Provide Relief?

As mentioned, the only way to get rid of pesky knee pain caused by sciatica is to alleviate sciatica itself. There are several stretches you can do to help take some of the pressure off your sciatic nerve. They include:

• Knee to chest to reduce nerve compression: Lying down, gently hug one of your knees to your chest while extending the other leg flat on the floor. Hold for about 30 seconds, and alternate to hug the other knee to your chest.

• Lower trunk rotations to increase the mobility and flexibility of your spine: Lying flat on the floor, bend both of your knees in and rotate at the hips so both knees are pointing to the right and resting on the floor. Hold for three to five seconds, and rotate at the hips so your knees rest on the floor and point to the left. Keep alternating or hold the stretch on each side for about 30 seconds.

• Pelvic tilt or all fours opposite arm and leg extensions to strengthen your abdominal muscles and stretch the low back

GettyImages/DjordjeDjurdjevic

No matter the cause, knee pain can be a real pain [in the back]. But remember: At the end of the day, it’s important to speak to a physician first to get a proper diagnosis when your knee—or any other part of your body—is hurting for an extended period of time. Until then, take time to rest.

Notes: This article was originally published August 18, 2022 and most recently updated September 26, 2022.

Our Review ProcessMary Kate Phan:  

Mary Kate Phan is a writer with a wealth of experience in discussing health care-related topics. From neurology to podiatry, she has helped patients understand complex conditions and procedures that may help improve their lives for the better.

Shaheen Lakhan, M.D., Neurologist:  

Shaheen Lakhan, M.D., Ph.D., FAAN, is a physician-scientist and clinical development specialist. He is board-certified in both neurology and pain medicine with clinical training from the Cleveland Clinic and Massachusetts General Hospital.

causes and treatment tips

Contents

• 1 How to get rid of pain in the leg below the knee: causes and simple methods of treatment
  • 1. 1 Causes of pain in the leg below the knee
  • 1.2 Symptoms of pain in the leg
  • 1.3 Treatment of pain in leg below the knee
  • 1.4 Physiotherapy for pain in the leg
  • 1.5 Exercises to strengthen the foot and lower leg
  • 1.6 Use of drugs to treat pain in the leg
  • 1.7 Treatment of pain in the leg with folk remedies
  • 1.8 How to prevent pain in the leg below the knee
  • 1.9 When to see a doctor for pain in the leg
  • 1.10 How to avoid pain in the leg when walking
    • 1.10.1 Wear comfortable shoes
    • 1.10.2 Exercises and exercises
    • 1.10.3 Compliance with a healthy lifestyle
  • 1.11 Recommendations for caring for foot and lower leg to prevent pain in the leg
    • 1.11.1, Choose the right shoes
    • 1.11.2 Maintain a healthy lifestyle
    • 1.11.3 Practice gentle exercise and massage
    • 1.11.4 Watch your weight
  • 1.12 Related videos:
  • 1. 1 3 Q&A:
    • • 1.13. 0.1 Why can the leg hurt below the knee?
      • 1.13.0.2 What symptoms can be associated with pain in the leg below the knee?
      • 1.13.0.3 What are the treatments for pain in the leg below the knee?
      • 1.13.0.4 Can an inactive lifestyle cause pain in the legs below the knee?
      • 1.13.0.5 What exercises can help with leg pain below the knee?
      • 1.13.0.6 When should I see a doctor for pain in the leg below the knee?

Find out what ways to relieve pain in the leg below the knee. In the article you will find useful tips and tricks that will help relieve discomfort and speed up healing. Do not postpone treatment until later, contact a specialist in time.

Leg pain below the knee can be a serious problem for many people. This pain can impair quality of life, make it difficult to move, and even limit activity. Being well versed in the causes of such pain is an important step towards its treatment.

One of the common causes of pain in the leg below the knee is stress on the muscles and ligaments, for example, during active sports or long walking. Another common source of pain is joint and bone problems such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, fractures, and sprains. Sometimes, the pain can be related to the nerves, for example, with damage to the sciatic nerve or the development of neuralgia.

But whatever the cause of leg pain, it is important to know how to manage it. For many people, this means lifestyle changes, including managing exercise, wearing the right footwear, and developing healthy habits such as regular physical activity and proper nutrition. In more serious cases, it may be necessary to undergo a course of treatment, including medications and rehabilitation measures.

Causes of pain in the leg below the knee

Pain in the leg below the knee can be caused by a variety of reasons, ranging from muscle and ligament strains to diseases of the joints and nervous system. Let’s look at the most common ones:

• Injury – Falling or bruising the leg can cause damage to bones, joints, muscles or ligaments, which can lead to pain in the leg.
• Overfatigue – this condition occurs when the legs are used for a long time, which can lead to inflammation of the tendons and muscles.
• Varicose veins is a disease in which the veins become enlarged and loose, which can cause pain in the legs.
• Osteochondrosis is a disease in which the functioning of the spine is disrupted, which can lead to pain in the legs and lower back.

If pain in the leg below the knee does not improve with rest and lack of physical activity, you should consult a doctor for a more accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms of pain in the leg

Pain below the knee can have a variety of origins, but is most often accompanied by symptoms:

1. Edema – the lesion may swell and increase in size;
2. Redness of the skin – the area of ​​the painful area may change its color and become brighter;
3. Burning and tingling sensations – pain may be accompanied by discomfort and other unpleasant sensations;
4. Difficulty in movement – Pain can make walking difficult or impossible, as well as difficulty lifting the leg and other movements;
5. Nervous tension – a painful area can become the basis for stressful conditions and increased nervousness.

If you have these symptoms, you should consult a doctor to clarify the diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment.

Treatment of pain in the leg below the knee

Pain in the leg below the knee is a problem that can lead to significant discomfort and limit your ability to move. There are many causes of pain in this area, from muscle injury to serious illness.

In some cases, leg pain may be due to a medical condition such as thrombosis or arthritis. If home methods do not work, then you need to see a doctor to get professional diagnosis and treatment.

• Let your foot rest.
• Avoid any activity that causes pain.
• Use massage and warm compresses.
• Do small exercises.

If the pain in the leg does not go away on its own or recurs after treatment at home, you should seek medical help. He will help determine the cause of the pain and provide the necessary treatment, including prescription drugs, physical therapy, or rehabilitation exercises.

Physiotherapy for pain in the leg

Treatment for pain in the leg below the knee may include not only drugs, but also physiotherapy. Physiotherapy helps reduce pain, restore mobility and reduce inflammation.

One of the most common physiotherapy methods used in the treatment of leg pain is ultrasound therapy. It is aimed at the destruction of salt crystals in the muscles and ligaments, which are often the cause of pain.

Electrical stimulation is another effective method of physiotherapy for leg pain. This method consists in transmitting electrical current to the muscles, which improves blood circulation and reduces pain.

The need and choice of physiotherapy methods for the treatment of leg pain is determined individually depending on the cause of the pain and the general condition of the patient. When prescribing physiotherapy procedures, you should always contact a qualified specialist.

Exercises to strengthen the foot and lower leg

In order to improve blood circulation in the legs and strengthen the foot and lower leg, special exercises are needed. It is worth noting that before starting classes, it is necessary to consult a doctor and choose the appropriate exercises.

1. Developmental exercises for the feet. For example, you can throw a ball or a rubber ring with your feet. This is a good way to strengthen the muscles of the foot and lower leg. You can also try to catch the ball bouncing off the wall.

2. Calf stretch. It is extremely important to stretch before playing sports or walking. For example, you can put your foot on a chair and, holding on to the back of the chair, pull your toe towards you.

3. Toe walking. This is a good calf exercise that you can do at home. You just need to walk quietly on your toes around the room.

4. Toe raises. This is a very effective exercise for developing the muscles of the legs. It is necessary to stand on your toes and lower yourself to the floor, then rise again on your toes.

• Do not forget that in order to achieve maximum results, you need to do exercises systematically and with a moderate load.
• If you experience pain, be sure to consult your doctor.

Using medicines to treat leg pain

If you have pain in your leg, it is recommended that you see a doctor who can prescribe medication to treat the condition. The most commonly used drugs from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, ketoprofen, diclofenac.

Ointments, gels and creams containing analgesic and restorative components are also often used to treat pain caused by tissue damage. To reduce swelling, the use of topical preparations based on heparin or toxicureas may be prescribed.

• It is important to remember that self-treatment can lead to aggravation of the condition, therefore, at the first symptoms of pain in the leg, you should consult a doctor.
• Medicines must be taken exactly as recommended by the physician to avoid possible side effects.
• Alcohol and smoking should not be consumed while taking medications, as this may aggravate side effects.

Treatment of pain in the leg with folk remedies

Some people prefer to treat diseases with folk remedies. This can be helpful for leg pain caused by muscle or ligament strains, and folk remedies can relieve pain and inflammation.

Eucalyptus oil can be used to relieve leg pain with folk remedies. Apply it to the affected area in a massaging motion to improve circulation and reduce inflammation.

Another way to treat leg pain is to use carrot, potato and beet juice compresses. These compresses can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

There is also a folk remedy that is especially effective for muscle strains – blue iodine tincture. Apply it to the affected area to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

• When treating leg pain with folk remedies, remember:
• Do not abuse folk remedies, especially if you have allergic reactions.
• If the disease continues to progress or causes significant discomfort, see a doctor.

How to prevent pain in the leg below the knee

To avoid pain in the leg below the knee, you must follow a number of rules:

• Wear the right shoes. The purchase of shoes should be approached consciously, taking into account the individual characteristics of your feet, as well as the type of daily activities.
• Control your weight. Obesity is one of the causes of many diseases of the musculoskeletal system, which are often manifested by pain in the legs.
• Physical activity. Regular exercise strengthens the muscles, improves blood circulation and contributes to overall health.
• Avoid repetitive movements and positions. When sitting, standing or lying on one side for a long time, the muscles and joints are pinched in certain places, which can lead to overwork and pain.

Pain in the leg below the knee can be a symptom of a serious illness. Therefore, if the pain persists or intensifies, you should consult a doctor for a thorough medical examination and identify the true cause of the problem.

When to see a doctor for pain in the leg

Pain in the leg below the knee can be a symptom of various diseases and injuries, so it is important to know when to see a doctor. So, if the pain is accompanied by swelling, redness and fever at the site of pain, an infectious process may develop, and an urgent consultation with a doctor is required.

If you are taking medicine for pain in the legs below the knee, but they do not help, do not self-medicate. It is necessary to consult a doctor to get additional recommendations for treatment and find out the causes of pain. Only a doctor will be able to choose an effective treatment and prescribe the necessary drugs.

How to avoid foot pain when walking

Wearing comfortable shoes

One of the main causes of foot pain when walking is uncomfortable shoes. When choosing shoes, pay attention to their quality, size, shape and cushioning. Comfortable shoes should allow free movement of the foot, provide support for the foot and cushion the impact of walking.

Stretching and exercising

Regular stretching and exercising on the legs will help to avoid pain when walking. You can do light leg exercises or squat to stretch your muscles and improve circulation in your legs. It will also help prevent leg fatigue.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle

Some conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, can cause leg pain when walking. By following a healthy lifestyle and controlling these diseases, you can significantly reduce the risk of foot pain and improve overall well-being.

• Daily outdoor walks
• Balanced diet
• Moderate physical activity

Foot and shin care tips to prevent leg pain

Choose the right footwear

Wear shoes with low heels and enough support for your feet. avoid additional pressure on the legs. Change shoes periodically to avoid wear and tear, which can lead to improper weight distribution when walking.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

A balanced diet, regular physical activity and avoidance of smoking and alcohol abuse will help strengthen the muscles and joints of the legs and prevent pain in this area.

Practice gentle exercises and massage

Stretching and massaging the muscles and joints of the legs can improve circulation and relieve tension. For example, you can roll the ball under your feet or make circular motions with your foot.

Watch your weight

Being overweight can put extra pressure on your legs and joints, which can lead to pain. Monitor and control your weight to reduce the risk of leg pain.

Related videos:

Q&A:

Why can the leg below the knee hurt?

Pain in the leg below the knee can occur for many reasons, such as injury, muscle strain, inflammation or joint disease. In addition, diseases such as hypertension and diabetes can also cause leg pain.

What symptoms can be associated with pain in the leg below the knee?

In addition to pain, symptoms such as swelling, numbness or redness of the leg may occur. There may also be a feeling of heaviness in the leg or discomfort in the muscles.

What are the treatments for pain in the leg below the knee?

Treatment options depend on the cause of the pain. For example, in case of injury, it is recommended to apply cold and wear a cast or bandage. In diseases of the joints, special drugs and physiotherapy may be prescribed. In some cases, surgery is required.

Can an inactive lifestyle cause pain in the legs below the knee?

Yes, an inactive lifestyle can cause pain in the legs, as lack of physical activity can lead to poor blood circulation and muscle performance. It is recommended to exercise, walk or swim to strengthen the legs and prevent pain.

What exercises can help with leg pain below the knee?

Exercises to improve circulation and strengthen muscles can help with leg pain. For example, stretching the legs and moving the foot in circles can strengthen the muscles and improve blood circulation in the legs.

When should I see a doctor for pain in the leg below the knee?

If leg pain persists for a long time or is accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling, redness, or numbness of the leg, medical attention should be sought. In the event of an injury that caused pain in the leg, you should also consult a doctor.

Pain in the ankle joint: causes, methods of treatment

Surprisingly, many patients do not take discomfort in the ankle seriously – they say, it will hurt and stop. Meanwhile, joint pain, limitation of motor activity and swelling may indicate various, and sometimes very serious problems.

In this article we will look at when the ankle can hurt in healthy people, which doctor treats ankle pain and what to do if the ankle hurts.
However, first things first.

The ankle joint is the mobile joint between the bones of the leg and foot. Anatomically, it consists of the tibia, fibula and talus, enclosed in a joint capsule and surrounded by ligaments. This complex block-like joint gives us the ability to walk – it is responsible for the movement of the foot in all planes. Rotation of the foot and lifting on toes is simply impossible with a sore ankle.

Pain in the ankle joint: causes

Causes of pain in the ankle joint

The ankle is characterized by pronounced mobility and strength, but at the same time it is a very vulnerable joint, especially from the outside. Among the factors predisposing to the development of diseases of the ankle joint, one can single out a high body mass index. For the same reason, joints also suffer in pregnant women.

All causes of pain in the ankle can be divided into 3 large groups:

• Traumatic,
• Infectious (inflammatory),
• Dystrophic-degenerative.

Consider each group with an example.

The nature of pain in various pathologies, accompanying symptoms

Ankle injuries

The most common type of traumatic injury to the ankle joint is sprain or subluxation of the foot. When walking, running, or while jumping, you can awkwardly step on your foot and tuck it inward, overstretching the ankle ligaments. The more fibers are damaged, the more severe the nature of the damage and the brighter the pain symptoms. In addition to pain, the leg will react with severe swelling, often there is a bruise (“bruise”).

Fractures are less common in this joint. However, when jumping or falling from a great height, a calcaneus or ankle fracture can occur. The symptoms are similar to those of a dislocation or sprain, but much more intense. Do not step on the foot, and when you feel the injured joint, a sharp, unbearable pain occurs. The heel thickens and seems to turn to the outer surface.

Arthritis of the ankle joint

Arthritis is the general name for all inflammatory joint disorders. According to the type of causative microorganism, arthritis can be viral or bacterial. Measles, chicken pox or gonorrhea can also affect the joints when spreading throughout the body. A characteristic rash appears around the affected joint, the skin over it changes color. The patient often complains of aching pain in the ankle, but the motor function is preserved. Similar symptoms are characteristic of tuberculous arthritis.

However, if there is intense arching, throbbing pain in the joint, this may lead the doctor to think about purulent arthritis. With such a reactive course of the disease, general well-being worsens, fever, chills and a feeling of weakness occur.

Osteoarthritis (arthritis) of the ankle joint

Professional athletes who subject their ankles to dislocations and overstretching over and over again develop degenerative osteoarthritis over time. Due to multiple traumatization of the surfaces of the ankles, fibula and tibia, their surface loses its natural smoothness. Physiological sliding in the joint is disturbed, movements become more and more painful, the ankles swell, which even affects the choice of clothes and shoes.

However, not only athletes are prone to arthrosis, nowadays more and more young people are complaining of pain in the joint after rest, which disappears when moving, as if you need to “disperse”. In the early stages of the disease, the destruction of the joint can be stopped, slowed down.

Other causes of pain

Among other etiological factors of pain in the ankle, experts note flat feet, tendonitis and a disease with the unusual name “heel spur”. Similar symptoms can be given by varicose veins, neoplasms in this area, or osteoporosis. In addition, wearing tight shoes for a long time also causes discomfort in the lower leg.

Pain in the ankle: diagnosis

Diagnosis of pain in the ankle

After questioning the patient, examining the joint, determining the degree of its mobility and swelling, after careful palpation of the ankle, the specialist prescribes an x-ray examination. This simple method reliably shows:

• violation of the integrity of the bones, the fracture line,
• narrowing or fusion of the joint space,
• osteoporosis (thinning of the bone),
• osteonecrosis (bone destruction),
• bone osteophytes (protrusions).

If a more detailed diagnosis is required, computed tomography (CT) is prescribed. To study the ligaments, cartilage and other non-bone elements of the joint, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is performed. In case of vascular pathologies, such as varicose veins or thrombophlebitis, it will not be superfluous to conduct ultrasound with Dopplerography. As a rule, a general and biochemical blood test is prescribed, paying special attention to the leukocyte formula and the value of C-reactive protein.

If arthritis or arthrosis is suspected, a joint puncture can be performed followed by a cytological examination of the resulting fluid.

Which doctor treats ankle pain?

If symptoms similar to those described above occur, it is recommended to consult a traumatologist, orthopedist, surgeon or rheumatologist for an in-person consultation. Doctors of these specialties will conduct an examination, perform the necessary diagnostics and, if indicated, refer you to an endocrinologist, gynecologist or rehabilitation specialist for additional studies.

Treatment of ankle pain – basic methods

Symptomatic treatment

Emergency treatment for ankle pain is the so-called symptomatic therapy – that is, aimed at the symptom, not the cause. It will not be superfluous to ensure immobility of the joint, in case of injury – to immobilize. Applying cold topically to the joint works well. You can apply a decongestant ointment to the joint. Pain medication is indicated to relieve pain.

Pain medications

A variety of medications are used to improve ankle health. The most effective of them:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – anesthetize and relieve the manifestations of the acute phase of inflammation, are used in the form of ointments, tablets, injection solutions.
• Corticosteroids – find their use in the later stages of degenerative processes, when “heavy artillery” is needed.
• Chondroprotectors – are prescribed in the remission phase, during the absence of pain symptoms to prevent relapses and strengthen cartilage and ligaments. They are used for a long time, courses.
• Decongestants – in the form of ointments applied to the affected joint.

Remember that medicines must be used according to the doctor’s prescription and under his control!

Ankle pain treatment in Minsk

Physical therapy for ankle pain

The influence of natural or artificially recreated natural factors forms the basis of the physiotherapeutic method of treatment. In addition to the relatively low cost, it also has practically no contraindications – it suits everyone. The soft directed effect of cold, ultrasonic waves of the magnetic field improves blood circulation, metabolism and enhances the effect of drugs in complex therapy.

In the treatment of traumatic sprains and subluxations, kinesio taping has a good effect. Correctly applied tape lifts the skin and relaxes the muscles, which improves local blood flow and reduces pain. Edema develops to a lesser extent, and recovery is faster. The tape itself does not cause any inconvenience and does not restrict bathing and showering.

Another useful and pleasant method of recovery after ankle sprains is therapeutic massage. Immediately after the injury, massage is not prescribed, only after the relief of severe pain symptoms – no earlier than 48 hours later. Massage begins with warming up the affected area, then the area above the damaged joint is worked out in order to improve the lymph flow. And only after that the massage itself begins. The specialist adjusts the intensity and force of pressure so as not to cause pain in the patient.

Magnetotherapy and electrotherapy for the treatment of the ankle can be prescribed not only for treatment, but also as maintenance therapy in the postoperative period. As a rule, they are prescribed in parallel (rarely – separately), have a pronounced anti-edematous and analgesic effect.

Ultrasound therapy gives excellent results. The effect of ultrasound due to microvibration from variable acoustic pressure has an effect similar to micromassage. In addition to the anti-edematous effect, ultrasound relieves spasms, enhances the production of heparin and histamine, and also improves tissue trophism (nutrition).

At various stages of the treatment of ankle pathologies, therapeutic exercises and physiotherapy exercises are used. Kinesiotherapy is widely demanded, especially in rehabilitation after operations and to prevent cartilage wear in degenerative pathologies.

Well-chosen physical therapy is a safe and easy way to restore joint mobility and prevent disease progression.

How to forget about joint pain?

Of course, any disease is easier to prevent than to cure. Therefore, we recommend that you take a reasonable approach to physical activity, do not forget about stretching and warming up before training, monitor your condition and body signals during sports.

Your body will thank you if you choose comfortable orthopedic shoes made from natural materials.

It is equally important to monitor your weight and, if necessary, use programs for weight loss and normalization of body weight.

At the Physical Therapy Clinic 401 in Minsk , we offer you the experience of our specialists, which they have collected and embodied in the Healthy Foot and Lower Leg rehabilitation program, thanks to which you will be able to move again without pain and do what you love, or simply forget about a problem that has haunted you for many years.