Ankle pain can significantly impair your mobility and affect your ability to walk, stand, or engage in physical activities comfortably. The ankle joint, comprised of the bones of the lower leg and the foot, is particularly susceptible to various sources of discomfort due to its complex structure and weight-bearing function. Understanding the potential causes of ankle pain is essential for effectively managing and alleviating symptoms.
- Sprains and Strains: Overstretching or tearing of the ligaments or muscles surrounding the ankle joint, often due to sudden twists, falls, or sports-related injuries, resulting in pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight.
- Ankle Fractures: Breaks or cracks in one or more of the bones in the ankle joint, typically caused by trauma or high-impact injuries, leading to localized pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the ankle.
- Achilles Tendonitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, resulting in pain, stiffness, and swelling in the back of the heel or lower calf, particularly with activity or after periods of rest.
- Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons surrounding the ankle joint, such as the peroneal tendons or posterior tibial tendon, often due to overuse, repetitive movements, or wearing improper footwear, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty with movement.
- Ankle Arthritis: Degenerative changes or inflammation in the ankle joint, commonly associated with conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, resulting in pain, stiffness, swelling, and limited range of motion.
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the posterior tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel in the inner ankle, leading to pain, burning, tingling, or numbness along the inner side of the ankle and foot, often exacerbated by prolonged standing or walking.
- Ankle Impingement: Pinching or compression of soft tissues, such as tendons or ligaments, within the ankle joint during certain movements, causing pain, swelling, and limited range of motion, commonly seen in athletes or individuals with previous ankle injuries.
- Stress Fractures: Small cracks or fractures in the bones of the ankle joint, often caused by repetitive stress or overuse, leading to localized pain, swelling, and tenderness, especially with weight-bearing activities.