Question
I am a 55 yr. old male with an excessively active amateur athletic background.  Over the past several years I have developed a severe tenderness to the area on the outside of left ankle directly below the ankle bone.  It never swells or dis-colors but is extremely sore to the touch and with motion.  At times I can push on the exact sore spot with pressure and get it to relieve the pain to a degree.  A number of years ago an orthopedic dr. attempted to pull fluids from the area but was unable to get any.  It appears to be a soft tissue injury of some sort.  Any ideas?  Thank you in advance for your interest and advice.

Answer
This Chicago & Elmhurst Podiatrist says.....
Dear Steve

There are many ligaments and a few tendons in that area of the foot that may may feel a little better after mild pressure. If any of them are strained that would produce the pain you are feeling.T I don't think the orthopedic doctor was right with assessment. There are only two joints(the ankle & subtalar) in that area and if they needed drainage you would have seen the swelling. other possibilities are arthritic changes in the outside ankle or just lowering of the arch which would also put pressure in that area. Try an ankle wrap-if that doesn't work go see a Board Certified Podiatrist who does ankle also. They will take x-rays and be able to treat you on the spot.
Can't be more specific due to the vagueness of the question.

Hope this helps!
Good Luck My Friend!

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661
AnkleNFoot.com
Runnersdoc.com
BabyFootDoc.com

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