Your ankles are one of the most common spots for an injury to occur because they shoulder your weight with every step you take. If you’re an active individual, your ankles are tasked with keeping you on your feet while you twist, turn, jump, land and sprint.
Just like there’s no wrong way to eat a Reese’s, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” assessment for ankle pain. That’s why we compiled a list of the 10 most common causes of ankle pain. Be sure to check out some of the links for more information on each type of injury. Enjoy!
10. Ankle Fractures – Ankle Fractures are one of the most painful ways to injure your ankle. Unlike stress fractures or arthritis that develops over time, ankle fractures occur when a lot of weight is brought down upon the ankle at an awkward angle. This can happen if you get tackled playing football, fall off a ladder, or drop something heavy on your foot.
9. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome – TTS, also known as posterior tibial neuralgia, is caused by nerve compression as it travels through the tarsal tunnel, located in the ankle. It is categorized by pain, tingling and swelling in the ankle. Doctors can preform both non-invasive and surgical operations to address the condition.
8. High Ankle Sprain – Not to be confused with your average ankle sprain, high ankle sprains are often more serious because they affect different ligaments in your ankle. Typical high ankle sprains are categorized by damage to the medial ligaments on the inside of your foot. High ankle sprains are usually graded based on their severity. A Grade 1 sprain is considered a mild sprain, while a Grade 3 sprain usually requires surgery to correct the damage.
7. Ankle Arthritis – You might be more familiar with arthritis in your fingers or knees, but it can affect any joint that regulates movement. Ankle arthritis can occur over time, but it can also be a side effect of a more serious injury, like a sprain or fracture. Ankle arthritis is categorized by pain or limited range of motion in the ankle. Most times, ankle arthritis is treated non-surgically with anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy.
6. Stress Fractures – Stress fractures can develop in your ankles and shins as a result of overuse, overexertion or improper form. Pain is caused by tiny fractures in the bone, and you may notice swelling or tenderness in the region. If caught early enough, stress fractures can be treated with physical therapy and rest.
5. Ligament damage – The bones in your ankle and foot are held together by two crucial ligaments; the deltoid ligament, which has two layers, and the lateral ligament, which has three separate bands. When you twist or roll your ankle in one direction, your ligaments stretch and can become damaged. Giving your ankle ligaments time to heal is critical for regaining strength in your ankle.
4. Ankle Instability – Branching off of the last point, chronic ankle instability is caused by ligament damage in the ankle. Temporary methods like taping and bracing stabilize your ankle in the short-term, but oftentimes ankle instability needs to be treated surgically to address the root of the problem. If left untreated, ankle instability can lead to further complications down the road.
3. Dislocated Ankle – Similar to ankle fractures, ankle dislocations are often a very painful injury. They can be extremely troublesome if the injury results in an open dislocation, like the injury Joba Chamberlain suffered while jumping on a trampoline. He lost a significant amount of blood as a result of the open dislocation, but he underwent a successful surgery and is back pitching for the Yankees this year. Unlike some other injuries, you’ll know right away if you suffer an ankle dislocation.
2. Tendon Injuries – Tendon damage is another way to knock a person off their feet. Inside your foot there are two tendons that are responsible for helping your foot function; the peroneal tendon on the outside of your ankle, and the posterior tibial tendon, which runs along the inside of your ankle. Symptoms of tendon injuries include pain while walking, inflammation, and bruising. Rest is essential when recovering from tendon injuries.
1. Ankle Sprains – Ankle sprains are by far the most common way a person will injure their ankle. Most people sprain their ankle while playing a sport or exercising, but something as simple as a missed step can leave you clutching your ankle in pain. Just like high ankle sprains, regular sprains are often given a grade of severity. Rarely do ankle sprains need surgery, but Grade 3 sprains could result in permanent instability if proper rehab isn’t preformed. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about preventing or treating ankle sprains.
Related sources: AAOS, WebMD