What Causes Ankle Pain?

Pain in the ankle can affect people of all ages and could occur due to various reasons. The causes of ankle pain can be determined only after proper clinical examination. If you have any kind of ankle trauma, it is highly recommended that you seek treatment at a competent pain management center, as neglect can only delay the proper and necessary treatment aimed at restoring function.  

Causes of Ankle Pain

The main sources of pain in the ankle are the joints, ligaments, bones, muscles and tendons. Causes are:

• Sprains: A sprain results from a tear or stretch of the lateral and medial collateral ligaments of the ankle


• Fractures: Broken bones cause severe pain and often call for advanced ankle pain treatment


• Previous injuries: A past ankle injury or sprain is likely to cause pain if there is some strain on the joint at a later point of time


• Arthritis: Anterior (frontal) pain is the result of arthritis which affects the ankle tendons and joints. Advanced rheumatoid arthritis results in medial (middle) pain and swelling in the ankle joint.


• Ankle referred pain:  Referred pain is that caused by a structure that is located in another region. For instance, pain in the joints of the lower back caused by sciatica can radiate down to the ankle. Similarly, inflammation of the plantar fascia or the fibrous band at the bottom of the foot can cause pain in the ankle.


• Achilles tendonitis: This is the condition caused by the inflammation of the large tendon at the back of the ankle. It is common among people who stress the ankle in recreational activities or sports.


• Other causes: Any kind of stress or overuse of the ankle, use of inappropriate footwear, damage to the nerves, and bad blood circulation lead to pain that gradually worsens over time if left untreated.

Ankle Pain Treatment – Immediate Attention is Important

Immediate medical attention is necessary for ankle injuries suspected to be sprains or fractures. Pain management specialists conduct a thorough investigation before treatment. The doctor will ask you about the symptoms, for instance, how the injury occurred, whether there were any sounds such as cracks, pops or tears, if the ankle can be moved, and if it is possible to bear weight on the ankle. All ankle pain deserves a professional investigation and x-rays and MRI scans are usually necessary to understand the nature and cause of the problem.

An established pain management center would equipped with the latest technology and also have a professional team of specialists in various fields such as pain management, neurology, orthopedics, chiropractic care, spinal decompression, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. This would ensure a team approach to determining what causes acute or chronic ankle pain and the formulation of an appropriate treatment plan.