Physical discomfort in the ankle area, often including the joint or tendon that connects the lower leg to the heel. Ankle pain can have causes that are not because of an underlying disease. Examples include ill-fitting footwear such as ski boots, high heels, sprains, strains, overuse, lack of use, or trauma.
Ankle pain refers to any type of pain or discomfort that affects any part of the ankle. Ankle pain can occur for many reasons.
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Get A Second OpinionThe most common causes of ankle pain include:
Physical therapy (PT) can aid recovery from:
PT helps by reinforcing the muscles that support the feet and ankles.
Ankle pain can result from various injuries and conditions. Some more common injuries that cause ankle pain include:
It is a tear in the ligaments that holds the bones of the ankle together. When the foot rolls backward, it also occurs. Your ankle may swell and bruise.
Your immune system normally fights off germs. Sometimes it attacks the joints by mistake. Doctors call it rheumatoid arthritis. It usually impacts the same joint on both sides of your body. If you get it, it would damage your ankles. Pain, swelling, and stiffness often begin in the toes and the front of the foot and slowly return to the ankle.
This autoimmune disease causes your body to attack healthy tissues. It could directly affect the ankles or cause kidney problems that cause fluid to build up in the joints. There is no cure for lupus, but your doctor can prescribe medicine to keep it under control.
The space between your heel and the ball of your foot is your arch. It is supposed to create a hollow area when you stand. If yours lies flat, it could result from injury or wear and tear. You could also inherit it. It is usually painless, but the ankles can be sore or swollen if they go beyond the knee line.
A strong or sudden tension can cause small tears in the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles with the heel. The back of your ankle may swell or feel tender and warm just above the heel. You may notice it more in the morning or after exercise. Anti-inflammatory medications can ease pain, but rest is key to healing.
This Achilles tendinosis is a problem is because of the degradation of tissues due to overuse. It usually starts slowly and gets worse. You may have pain or a lump where the tendon on the back of your leg meets your heel. Sometimes, it affects the middle of the tendon; you may also notice a lump there.
There are many causes of ongoing pain on the outside of the ankle. It is most likely because of a ligament not healing properly after a sprain and remains weak. This makes it less safe for the whole joint, which leads to more fracture and discomfort. The treatment depends on the cause.
Your ankle has two fluid-filled sacs, or bursae, that cushion space between tendons and bones. They can become inflamed because of arthritis, overuse, high-heeled shoes, recent shoe changes, or resuming workouts after time off. Your ankle may feel stiff, tender, hot, and swollen.
A sudden injury, such as a sprain, can damage the cartilage of the talus (heel bone) or cause fractures, blisters, or sores in the bone underneath. You may notice a lock on your ankle, or it may become locked or still sore months after a treated injury, which could be an OLT.
This type usually follows an infection in your gastrointestinal or urinary tract. Your ankles and knees are among the first places you can feel it. Your doctor will treat the infection with antibiotics. There is no cure for arthritis, but anti-inflammatory medications can help with pain and swelling.
Symptoms can vary depending on the cause and may include:
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Book an AppointmentAny pain in the foot can become more than a short-term concern. If you can't treat pain on your own or have a condition that could affect your joints or soft tissues, you may need more research.
You should talk to your doctor or a foot care specialist if:
For immediate home treatment of ankle pain, the RICE method is recommended. This includes:
Avoid putting weight on your ankle. For the first few days, try to travel as little as practicable. When you struggle to walk or move, use crutches.
Begin by placing an ice pack on your ankle for at least 20 minutes at a time, with 90 minutes between frosting sessions. Do this for 3 days after the accident, three to five times a day. It helps to alleviate swelling and uncomfortable numbness.
Wrap your injured ankle in an elastic bandage, such as an ACE bandage. Don't wrap it so tightly that your ankle goes numb or your fingers turn blue.
Keep your ankle elevated above heart level on a pile of pillows or other supportive structures.
If your ankle pain results from arthritis, you cannot fully heal the injury. However, there are ways to manage it. It can help:
Ankle pain can be caused by injuries (like sprains or fractures), arthritis, tendinitis, or overuse. It can also result from conditions like gout or infections.
Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E.) can help reduce pain and swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers and gentle stretching exercises may also provide relief.
See a doctor if you experience severe pain, swelling that doesn’t go down, difficulty walking, or if you suspect a fracture or serious injury.
Treatments can include physical therapy, medication, ankle braces, and sometimes surgery, depending on the severity and cause of the pain.
Yes, persistent or severe ankle pain can indicate serious conditions like fractures, arthritis, or infections, which require medical evaluation.
Strengthening exercises, proper footwear, avoiding overuse, and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent ankle pain.
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