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Ankle Pain
Mr. Arch Custom Orthotics

Ankle Pain

Ankle pain refers to any kind of pain or discomfort affecting any part of the ankle. Ankle pain usually gets better with at-home treatments such as rest, ice and over-the-counter pain medication. A physical therapy program can help you strengthen muscles and prevent another injury. Providers treat more severe pain with braces and splits, injections and surgery.

OVERVIEW

What is ankle pain?

Ankle pain refers to any kind of pain or discomfort affecting any part of the ankle. Ankle pain can happen for many reasons. The most common causes include injury, arthritis and normal wear and tear. Depending on the cause, you may feel pain or stiffness anywhere around the ankle. Your ankle may also swell, and you may not be able to put any weight on it.
Usually, ankle pain gets better with rest, ice and over-the-counter pain medications. Healthcare providers can treat injuries and arthritis. Often times, conditions can be treated without surgery. However if the injury is severe, such as a broken ankle bone, or when your ankle pain fails to improve with nonsurgical treatment, surgery is needed. If you’ve had an ankle injury or surgery, a physical therapy (PT) plan can also help you heal. PT strengthens the muscles that support your feet and ankles. The therapy can relieve pain and prevent future injuries.

LATERAL VIEW OF THE RIGHT ANKLE

What are the parts of the ankle?

Your ankles are part of the musculoskeletal system. They support your body’s weight and help you stand, balance and move. The flexible ankle joint allows you to point, flex, rotate and move your foot from side to side.
The lower leg bones (tibia and fibula) come together to meet the foot bone (talus) to form the ankle. Ligaments hold these bones together. A complex structure of tendons, muscles and other soft tissues allows the foot and ankle to move. The ankle is especially prone to injury because of this complexity.

How common is ankle pain?

Ankle pain and ankle injuries are very common. You’re more likely to have ankle pain if you:

  • RAre over age 65.
  • RPlay sports or do activities that involve jumping, side-to-side movements or quick changes in direction.
  • RCarry extra weight or are obese.

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POSSIBLE CAUSES

What are the most common causes of ankle pain?

Pain in the ankle can result from several injuries and conditions. Some of the most common injuries that cause ankle pain include:

Bursitis

Fluid-filled sacs called bursae cushion your bones when they move. Bursitis happens when these sacs become irritated and inflamed.

Fractures:

An accident or injury can cause bones to break (fracture). Ankle fractures range from mild to severe. Broken ankles can involve bones in any part of the ankle joint. A broken ankle causes ankle swelling and pain.

Sprains:

Sprained ankles are a common cause of ankle pain. An ankle sprain happens when ligaments stretch or tear. Sprained or twisted ankles happen when the ankle rolls forcefully out of its normal position.

Tendonitis:

Irritated, inflamed tendons are a soft-tissue injury called tendonitis. Tendons connect muscles to bones. Sometimes, a tendon can tear (such as an Achilles tendon rupture). A torn tendon may need surgical repair.

Many diseases, disorders and conditions can also lead to ankle pain. These include:

Arthritis:

Pain and stiffness in the ankle joint can result from ankle arthritis. Arthritis happens when cartilage (tissue in joints that cushions bones) breaks down. The breakdown causes bones to rub together. Injuries and overuse can lead to arthritis, and it’s more common in people over 65. Several types of arthritis can affect the ankles. Common types include rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Infection:

Several types of infection, including cellulitis, can cause swelling and pain in the ankle joint. A bone infection called osteomyelitis can result from a staph infection.

Gout:

A type of arthritis, gout results from a buildup of uric acid throughout the body. Typically, uric acid leaves the body in urine. Excess uric acid creates crystals that settle in the joints. Gout in the ankle can be very painful.

Flatfoot:

A very low arch (or no arch at all) can cause pain and swelling in the ankles and feet. Sometimes, kids’ arches don’t develop normally as they grow up, resulting in the condition.

How can I prevent ankle pain?

You may not always be able to prevent ankle pain. But you can keep your bones, ligaments and tendons strong by maintaining good health. To prevent ankle pain caused by injuries, you should:

l

Maintain a healthy weight:

Carrying extra weight puts excess pressure on your joints, including your ankles.
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Strengthen other muscles:

By keeping other muscles strong, you’ll support your ankles and reduce your risk of injury.
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Stop if you feel pain:

Don’t ignore pain. If a movement or activity is uncomfortable, take a break. See your provider if the pain doesn’t get better. Continuing to exercise through pain can make injuries worse.
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Warm up properly:

Stretch before exercising. Muscles and soft tissues (like ligaments and tendons) are less likely to be damaged when they’re warm.