Ankle pain affects the joint that connects the lower leg to the foot, making everyday activities such as walking, standing, and climbing stairs more difficult. The pain may develop suddenly after an injury or gradually because of repeated stress. Symptoms range from mild soreness to sharp pain that limits movement. You might also notice swelling around the ankle joint or stiffness after resting. Common causes include sprains, arthritis, and tendon injuries. Risk factors include previous ankle injuries, wearing poorly fitting shoes, and participating in activities that involve sudden changes in direction. Identifying the source of ankle pain is important because the right treatment depends on the underlying condition.
An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments supporting the joint stretch or tear, often after the foot twists unexpectedly. This injury commonly causes tenderness and swelling around the ankle. Arthritis also produces ankle pain when joint cartilage becomes damaged or inflammation affects the surrounding tissues. People with previous fractures or long-term joint stress may face a greater risk. Another possible cause is Achilles tendinitis, which develops when the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel becomes irritated. This condition may cause pain behind the ankle, especially while walking or climbing stairs. Repeated activity, sudden increases in exercise, and wearing inadequate footwear can contribute to tendon problems.
Ankle pain may also result from fractures, gout, or nerve irritation. A fracture occurs after a fall or direct impact, often causing significant pain and difficulty bearing weight. Gout develops when uric acid crystals collect in a joint, triggering sudden inflammation and intense discomfort. Nerve problems may produce burning sensations or tingling around the ankle. Certain factors increase the likelihood of these conditions. They include aging, excess body weight, and medical conditions that affect joint health. Persistent pain should not be ignored, particularly when it interferes with normal movement.
A podiatrist helps determine why your ankle hurts by reviewing your symptoms and examining joint movement, stability, and tenderness. Depending on the findings, X-rays or other imaging tests may be needed to identify fractures or joint damage. Treatment may include supportive bracing, footwear changes, or recommendations for managing inflammation. Following treatment instructions and allowing enough time for healing help protect your ankle from further damage. If you have sudden or consistent ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Granite State Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
- Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
- Ankle sprains
- Broken ankles
- Achilles tendinitis
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Stress fractures
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Plantar fasciitis
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Manchester and Bedford, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
