6 Ankle Conditions that a Podiatrist can Help With

Every step you take depends on healthy ankles, yet they’re one of the most commonly injured joints in the body, accounting for up to 40% of all sports-related injuries. To make matters worse, ankle injuries are a leading cause of lost mobility and activity limitations, and because your ankles support balance, movement, and daily function, even a minor sprain or lingering pain can disrupt your quality of life. 

Ankle conditions range from sudden fractures to chronic arthritis. Yet, with expert guidance and care from a podiatrist, you can expect a faster, more accurate diagnosis and a recovery plan designed to protect your long-term joint health. 

Read on to discover when to see the best podiatrist in West Los Angeles and how expert podiatric treatment makes all the difference in restoring strength, stability, and comfort.

Four Ankle Injuries That Require a Visit to a Podiatrist

Ankle problems can happen in the blink of an eye or gradually over time, but either way, they shouldn’t be ignored. Here are some of the most common ankle conditions a podiatrist can help diagnose and treat effectively:

1. Ankle Fractures and Sprains 

Ankle fractures and sprains are among the most common ankle injuries and are often caused by falls, sports collisions, car accidents, or missteps on uneven surfaces. While the same stress can cause them, they have very different symptoms. Fractures typically bring sharp pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight, sometimes with a visible deformity, while sprains occur when the ligaments are stretched or torn, leading to tenderness, instability, and limited movement. 

A podiatrist may not be your first stop after injury, but they are a necessary next step if you want to recover quickly and fully. Depending on the severity of your sprain or fracture, treatments range from: 

• The RICE method to control swelling
• Using a walking brace or walking boot to support or offset your weight while your ankle heals
• Physical therapy to help rebuild strength and range of motion 
• Regenerative therapies like platelet-rich plasma or shockwave therapy to support tissue regeneration 
• Minimally invasive surgery to repair misplaced, broken, or torn structures of the ankle

Recovery may take weeks for mild sprains or several months for complex fractures, but working with a podiatrist will ensure proper healing, prevent chronic instability or arthritis, and help you return safely to your daily activities.

2. Sports Injuries and Tendon Conditions

Sports injuries and tendon conditions are common among active individuals and often result from overuse, repetitive strain, sudden trauma, or even wearing the wrong footwear. Treatment options range from rest, activity modification, bracing for support, or using custom orthotics to correct foot mechanics. Advanced therapies, like PRP injections or shockwave treatment, can also help accelerate healing in certain cases. 

3. Arthritis of the Ankle

Arthritis of the ankle happens when the cartilage that cushions the joints breaks down, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility that can make everyday activities difficult. This condition can take several forms: 

• Osteoarthritis, caused by natural wear and tear
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• An autoimmune disease that attacks the joints
• Post-traumatic arthritis, which develops after an old injury

Regardless of the cause, symptoms often include swelling, stiffness, limited range of motion, and increasing difficulty with walking or standing for long periods. 

Seeing a podiatrist gives you several treatment options, including supportive bracing, personalized footwear, custom orthotics, or prescription anti-inflammatory medications to ease discomfort. The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, preserve mobility, and slow the progression of joint damage.

4, Achilles Tendon Rupture 

The Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, is vital for walking, running, and jumping. When overuse leads to inflammation, it’s called Achilles tendinitis; when the tendon suddenly tears, it’s an Achilles rupture. Symptoms may include heel or calf pain, swelling, stiffness, and weakness. In the case of a rupture, many patients report hearing or feeling a sudden pop. 

These injuries are often associated with sports activities, rapid increases in training, poor footwear, or gradual degeneration over time. Treatment for tendonitis usually includes rest, physical therapy, custom orthotics, or advanced therapies like shockwave or PRP to stimulate healing. A rupture, however, often requires minimally invasive surgical repair followed by several months of rehabilitation. Seeing a podiatrist is essential to ensure proper healing, prevent long-term weakness, and restore the strength needed to stay active. 

Finding the Best Podiatrist in West Los Angeles for Ankle Problems

At KIN Foot and Ankle, we see every patient’s story as a journey toward strength, mobility, and confidence. Inspired by the philosophy of kintsugi, we approach care with the belief that healing should restore both function and quality of life. Led by Dr. Megan Ishibashi, a fellowship-trained, board-certified podiatrist and surgeon, we combine modern, minimally invasive treatments with compassionate, personalized care. 

Ready to choose the best podiatrist in West Los Angeles for patients who want a foot and ankle specialist who listens and creates personalized treatment plans using state-of-the-art technology?