Ankle Pain? Find Out What's Causing It and How to Treat It

Ankle pain refers to any type of pain or discomfort that affects any part of the ankle. It can occur for many reasons, including sudden ankle pain without injury or swelling, which may be alarming and require evaluation for underlying issues.

General Causes for Ankle Pain

• Injuries
• Arthritis
• Normal wear and tear

Physical therapy (PT) can aid recovery from:

• Ankle fractures
• Ankle surgery

PT helps by reinforcing the muscles that support the feet and ankles.

Major Causes

• Twisted Ankle: A Tear in the ligaments. Causes swelling and bruising.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Autoimmune disorder causing pain and stiffness in both ankles.
• Lupus: An Autoimmune disease causing joint inflammation or fluid buildup.
• Flat feet can cause soreness or swelling in the ankles if they are misaligned.
• Achilles Tendonitis: Tears in the Achilles tendon cause pain and swelling above the heel.
• Achilles Tendinosis: Tissue degeneration causing lumps and persistent pain at the tendon.
• Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain: Often due to improperly healed sprains. Leads to lateral ankle pain.
• Bursitis: Inflammation of bursae leading to stiffness and swelling.
• Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus (OLT): Damage to the talus cartilage from injury. It can cause sudden ankle pain without injury or swelling.
• Reactive Arthritis: Post-infection arthritis affecting ankles and knees.

Symptoms of Ankle Pain

Some people experience ankle pain at night while resting, which can be linked to inflammatory conditions, nerve-related pain, or poor circulation. Some of the ankle pain symptoms include

• Pain (mild to severe)
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Bruising
• Tenderness
• Instability
• Heat
• Redness
• Difficulty Bearing Weight
• Limited Range of Motion

When to Visit a Doctor

Consult a doctor if you are experiencing the following:

• Pain does not improve in a few days
• Pain worsens or continues after 2 weeks
• Sores won't heal, or the foot changes shape
• Skin discoloration (dark blue/black)
• High fever, chills, or signs of infection
• Ongoing symptoms (3+ months)
• Underlying health issues (diabetes, arthritis, etc.)

How is Ankle Pain Diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves reviewing the pain history, including onset, trauma, overuse, and underlying conditions. A physical examination checks for:

• Warmth
• Redness
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Joint stability

Treatment Options for Ankle Pain

• Orthopedic shoe inserts or ankle braces for support
• Steroid injections for reducing inflammation and pain (lasting 3-6 months)
• Non-surgical, minimally invasive treatment options are available at home

Prevent Ankle Pain

• Wear supportive shoes with cushioning
• Warm up before physical activity
• Strengthen ankle muscles with exercise
• Stretch regularly
• Avoid uneven surfaces
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Use braces or wraps if needed
• Rest at the early signs of strain

Home Remedies

Use the RICE method for immediate relief:

• Rest: Avoid putting weight on your ankle. Use crutches if needed.
• Ice: Apply an ice pack for 20 minutes, then take 90-minute breaks. Repeat 3-5 times daily for 3 days.
• Compression: Wrap with an elastic bandage. Avoid tightness that causes numbness.
• Elevation: Raise the ankle above heart level using pillows.

If pain is arthritis-related:

• Use topical pain relievers
• Take NSAIDs to reduce inflammation
• Engage in moderate exercise
• Maintain a healthy diet and body weight
• Stretch regularly