Understanding Common Causes of Ankle Pain: Symptoms and Treatment Options

Summer is here, and it's fun to to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. But what if you're experiencing ankle pain? Whether you're an athlete, a weekend warrior, or just someone who enjoys a daily walk, ankle pain can be a real blow to your summer plans. Understanding the common causes, symptoms, and treatment options for ankle pain can help you get back on your feet as quickly and safely as possible.

What are some common causes of ankle pain?

One common cause of ankle pain is a sprain. This happens when you twist your ankle too far, stretching or tearing those important ligaments that hold everything together. It's often the result of a quick turn or jump, and leaves your ankle feeling sore, swollen, bruised, and maybe a little wobbly. In fact, ankle sprains are the most common sports-related injury according to a National Library of Medicine article.

Another pain culprit is Achilles tendinitis. This one comes from overuse or intense activity, basically making the big tendon in the back of your ankle (the Achilles) tender and inflamed. You might feel stiffness and pain along the tendon, especially when you first wake up or after a workout.

Arthritis can also be a reason for ankle woes. There are different types, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but they all can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, swelling, and tightness in the ankle joint, making it harder to move around.

Ankle fractures are a more serious cause of ankle pain, often from a fall, sports injury, or accident. They come with some very intense pain, swelling, bruising, and the inability to put any weight on your ankle.

Plantar fasciitis might sound like a foot problem, but it can cause ankle pain too. This condition is basically an irritation of the tissue on the bottom of your foot, and the pain can sometimes travel up into your ankle. It often feels like a sharp stabbing pain in your heel that gets worse with those first steps in the morning.

Symptoms to Watch For

Ankle pain can vary in intensity and duration. Common symptoms include:

• Persistent or sharp pain

• Swelling and bruising

• Redness or warmth around the ankle

• Stiffness and reduced range of motion

• Difficulty bearing weight or walking

• A popping or snapping sound at the time of injury

If you experience severe pain, cannot put any weight on your ankle, or notice significant swelling and bruising, it’s important to call your doctor and get some medical attention.

Treatment Options

For many minor injuries, the R.I.C.E or P.O.L.I.C.E. methods can be effective. Resting the ankle, applying ice packs, using compression bandages, and keeping the ankle elevated can significantly reduce swelling and pain. Physical therapy is another valuable treatment for ankle pain, helping to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion with exercises tailored to your specific condition. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen can help manage pain and inflammation, and in some cases, a doctor might prescribe stronger medications.

Braces and supports can stabilize the ankle, prevent further injury, and provide relief during activities. They are particularly useful during recovery from an injury or for chronic conditions needing extra support. In severe cases, such as significant fractures, torn ligaments, or severe arthritis, surgical intervention might be necessary to repair the damage. Surgery is considered when conservative treatments fail to relieve symptoms or restore function.

Tips To Prevent Ankle Pain

Preventing ankle pain involves a few simple steps.

• Warm-Up and Stretch: Always warm up before activities and stretch afterward to keep your muscles and tendons flexible.

• Wear Proper Footwear: Choose shoes that provide adequate support and are appropriate for your activities.

• Strength Training: Strengthen the muscles around your ankles to provide better support and stability.

• Listen to Your Body: Avoid pushing through pain, as it can lead to further injury.

What can you do if your ankle pain isn't getting better?

Chronic ankle pain can be caused by an injury or disease. Our goal is to help you get back to the activities you love. Our expert team of foot and ankle specialists will work with you to find the cause of your pain and create a personalized plan to help you feel better. Contact us today!