What Causes Ankle Pain?

Ankle pain is usually enough to keep anyone off their feet for a few days or weeks. It’s a real inconvenience, leading most people to try to find the cause as soon as possible. Being laid up can be relaxing for a little while, but it quickly throws a wrench into one’s day to day activities.

Sprained ankles, or a broken ankle, usually results in some of the most intense pain. Falls, accidents and stress fractures can lead to a broken or sprained ankle that can take weeks to heal or may even require surgery to fix. The pain is often immediate, and accompanied by rapid swelling. It is very easy to identify. The other causes of ankle pain are usually slower to be recognized and may even need a doctor’s help to identify.

Running and Exercise Can Result In Ankle Pain

The ankle joint located between the foot and the lower leg, helps us walk, run, jog, bend and crawl. Such use can occasionally lead to problems. Tendonitis can be one of those problems that results from trauma like a fall, but it can also occur from inflammatory diseases like arthritis. Treatment usually involves NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), ice and immobilization. If the condition is severe, the doctor may recommend a cast to prevent further damage, and tearing or ripping of the Achilles tendon. Any further damage could require surgery to fix.

Another cause of pain is arthritis, which can be mistaken for a sprained ankle. The symptoms are similar- swelling, stiffness, pain and warmth to the touch. However, arthritis usually evolves slowly and occurs without the presence of an accident or trauma to the ankle. Doctors prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to help reduce the pain and swelling that can lead to pain. Other at-home treatments include ice, foot soaks and medication to reduce the overall advance of arthritis.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome also leads to ankle pain. It is much like carpal tunnel syndrome and results from compression of the sensory nerve that runs through the ankle. There is numbness, tingling and pain. This syndrome is treated the same as carpal tunnel with NSAIDS for pain, ice, and avoiding use of that foot.

These common causes of ankle pain can usually be avoided. Remember to wear properly supportive shoes and socks, avoid overusing your feet, pay careful attention when walking or running so that you don’t trip, and to speak with a doctor about managing arthritis and other inflammatory conditions before they get worse.

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