Leg pin and ankle : (at night) Definition, Causes, the consequences, Treatement

How to define Leg pain and ankle?

The good health of the legs and ankle is indispensable walking and standing. Any pain that appears in this area quickly becomes debilitating.

Pain in the ankle and leg can have many causes:

• articular
• bone
• related tendons
• related to poor blood circulation
• related to a shock or trauma
• related to a malformation or a static disorder (flat feet, etc.)
• related leg deformities
• related to poor footwear, etc.
• Do not delay to consult a doctor or a podiatrist in case of pain, in order to maintain as much as possible good mobility.

What are the causes of legs pain and ankle?

The causes are varied and it is impossible to list them all. The consultation with the doctor will know more by specifying more pain, in particular:

• its location
• character (mechanical, inflammatorynocturnal, etc.)
• the associated symptoms (stiffness, toe deformities, inflammation, etc.)

The mobility of the ankle and leg will also be examined, including:

• the articulation called "tibiotarsal", which allows flexion and extension movements of the leg
• the subtalar joint (left-right motion)
• tarsometatarsal joints
• palpation of the Achilles tendon

An X-ray may also help the doctor, if necessary, to make the diagnosis.

The causes can of course be traumatic: sprains, tendinitis, injuries, fractures of all kinds, rupture of the Achilles tendon, etc.

At the ankle, pain may also be associated with osteoarthritis, which often appears after repeated injuries (eg in former athletes who sprained his ankle many times). The anchor can also be the seat of inflammation, in case of rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory rheumatism.

Gout or spondyloarthritis may also affect the ankle and Legs.

Achilles tendonitis are common. They are painful and sometimes cause inflammation (swelling, redness) of the tendon at the back of the leg.

Less obviously, circulatory diseases such as diabetic arteritis can cause pain or wounds to the leg. Venous insufficiency can also cause pain in the ankle and leg, swelling (edema), cramps, etc.

It is important that people with diabetes regularly monitor their feet and looking at the first sign of any injury.

If the pain is localized to the heel, it may be caused by a "heel spur" that forms under the heel bone, the calcaneus. It gives the impression that a nail into the heel with every step!

If the pain involve the toes, and are accompanied by deformities of the toes, it may be for example hallux valgus, the famous "onion".

So, faced with such a wide range of causes, any leg pain or ankle, or persistent discomfort walking, must absolutely be examined by a doctor.

What are the consequences of leg pain and ankle ?

In fact their impact on walking, leg pain and ankle should not be minimized. They can impede mobility, and lead to a fear of walking (and thus a decrease in physical activity).

What solutions and treatments in case of pain in the leg and ankle?

All obviously depends on the cause.

In case of arthrosis crisis of analgesic medicines such as paracetamol can be used to relieve pain. Infiltrations can be offered in some cases, at the painful joints.

Rest, anti-inflammatory, applying ice, elevation of the leg may in turn be advised in case of sprain or minor trauma.

If there is a static disorder, it may possibly be corrected by wearing insoles. It should also focus on rising and well fitting shoes.

Finally, until the pain subsides or if permanent discomfort, use a cane or crutches may be needed to allow the march.