When you sprain your ankle, the pain you feel generally falls into the category of orthopedic pain—which simply means it is related to the muscles, bones, and connective tissues in and around your ankle.
Neuropathic pain is different. Pain is said to be neuropathic if it is caused by injured, stretched, or compressed nerves. You may experience neuropathic pain as a result of an ankle injury or after ankle surgery. This sort of pain is generally chronic—meaning it lasts for more than six months after an injury or surgery.
Symptoms of Neuropathic Pain
When asked to describe their pain, our patients have used some striking comparisons:
- It feels as though you are walking on sharp rock or shards of glass.
- It feels as though bees are stinging or fire ants are biting your foot constantly.
- It feels as though your entire foot is wrapped in barbed wire.
- It feels like a serious sunburn on the top of your foot.
- It feels like an electric current is shooting down your leg.
In addition, you may experience discomfort or pain (often severe) simply because you are wearing shoes or socks—or even when your foot is touched by something light like a bedsheet.
Sometimes the Solution Is Surgery for Your Neuropathic Pain
If it is clear that the pain you are experiencing is not orthopedic in nature, it is time to be evaluated for neuropathic pain and to discuss potential solutions.
In some cases, there are non-surgical approaches that might help. In other instances, surgery to release the compressed nerve or otherwise repair nerve damage may be the best solution.
One thing that is not an option is to simply try to ignore neuropathic pain. It will upend your day-to-day life, keeping you from enjoying your active lifestyle. Finding the best solution for relieving neuropathic pain is essential.
Dr. Williams Can Help You Find Relief. Contact Our Nerve Pain Specialist Today.
Dr. Eric H. Williams is committed to listening to you and to finding the best solutions to address ongoing pain. Known for both his skill as a surgeon and his compassion for his patients, Dr. Williams will make sure you understand all of your options and are comfortable with the proposed solutions. To learn more about neuropathic pain, request our free whitepaper. When you are ready to get relief from your chronic pain, contact us to make an appointment.
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