Hi Docs. I have had intermittent ankle pain for many years that has intensified recently. ChatGPT5 thinks it is the posterior tibial tendon. He pain starts above the heel, and runs upwards on the inside of the ankle. I feel no discomfort sitting, worse upon rising and initial steps, and it sometimes resolves completely. I often feel it on stairs. It can be present from mild to intense, but often resolves as I move about. It might be present for many days (as it is now) and then disappear for weeks or months. Did Dr. AI get it right? Anything else I should be considering and anything in particular to do about this? I’m aware of the pain in training model, and am not changing any of my behaviors for the time being, but would appreciate your thoughts and impressions.
Thank you.
Hey there –
Unfortunately there’s no way for us to be certain of a diagnosis via the forum here. It’s possible that is the correct diagnosis, but it’s also possible that with more history, examination, and/or imaging we might reveal an alternative explanation (… or also, sometimes, no apparent “cause”). Would be curious about things like prior trauma or injuries to the area, what sorts of activities are most provocative (or might “trigger” it), among other things.
Regardless, based on your description it at least does not sound like something dangerous, so the degree to which you might do something about it depends mainly on how bothersome/interfering it is to you and your life. I recognize that much of this discussion is vague, but there are some inherent limitations to how much we can realistically advise on via the forum, particularly when it is more vague, rather than a “textbook” injury/pain syndrome. You could certainly implement our general pain management recommendations, but further individualized guidance would need a consultation.
Thanks doc. Such an odd thing. Triggered primarily by sitting with my foot resting on the coffee table, very intermittent (days and sometimes weeks when there is nothing at all. Anyway, thanks for the feedback, and if it becomes worse, I’ll schedule a consult.