What Causes Severe Pain In The Ankles Upon Walking?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Your mother might be having osteoarthritis of ankle joint also. As you age, your chance of developing osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear, increases. The joint damage associated with osteoarthritis causes swelling and deformity which is the reason for chronic pain. I suggest you to take her to a good orthopedics. Foot and ankle osteoarthritis can be treated in many ways. Nonsurgical methods to treat foot and ankle arthritis include: i. Steroid medications injected into the joints ii. Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling in the joints iii. Pain relievers iv. Pads or arch supports v. Canes or braces to support the joints vi. Inserts that support the ankle and foot (orthotics) vii. Physical therapy viii. Custom shoes ix. Weight control The most essential element of foot care for people with foot and ankle osteoarthritis is to wear shoes that fit properly and feel comfortable. The following are things to look for in finding a comfortable shoe: i. Shoes shaped like your foot ii. Shoes that have support -- for example, no slip-on shoes iii. Rubber soles to provide more cushioning iv. Flexibility v. Proper fit -- ask the salesperson to help you with this Exercise can help keep your feet pain-free, strong, and flexible. Exercises that can be good for your feet include: i. Achilles stretch. With your palms flat on a wall, lean against the wall and place one foot forward and one foot back. Lean forward, leaving your heels on the floor. You can feel the pull in your Achilles tendon and your calf. Repeat this exercise three times, holding for 10 seconds on each repeat. ii. Big-toe stretch. Place a thick rubber band around your big toes. Pull the big toes away from each other and toward the other toes. Hold this position for five seconds and repeat the exercise 10 times. Toe pull. Place a rubber band around the toes of each foot, and then spread your toes. Hold this position for five seconds and repeat the exercise 10 times. iii. Toe curl. Pick up marbles with your toes.More than one kind of surgery may be required to treat foot and ankle osteoarthritis. Your doctor can select the kind of surgery that is best for you, depending on the extent of your arthritis. The following are some of the surgical options for foot and ankle osteoarthritis: i. Fusion surgery. This kind of surgery, also called arthrodesis, involves fusing bones together with the use of rods, pins, screws, or plates. After healing, the bones remain fused together. ii. Joint replacement surgery. This kind of surgery involves replacing the ankle joint with artificial implants and is used only in rare cases. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.