(866) 552-4866 All Sylvia* wanted was to take a brisk walk around the walking paths in her neighborhood before heading off to work. The weather was cool but comfortable; she was properly warmed up and even wore her new pair of walking shoes. The conditions could not have been more perfect. But as Sylvia was midway through her route enjoying nature, she did not notice an uneven section of the pavement a few feet ahead. Her right ankle caught the corner of the pavement and caused her to fall awkwardly. Sylvia felt a slight pop and immediate ankle pain as she hit the ground. Thankfully, she was still able to walk. So, she chalked it up to a sprain and hoped her limp would work itself out throughout the day.
Unfortunately, days turned into weeks, and that ankle pain did not just stick around—it got worse. Now, it hurts to do pretty much anything, and her walks are officially on pause. This kind of scenario happens all the time. In fact, around 23,000 ankle injuries per day have been reported in the United States. These range from minor rolled ankles to severe fractures, overuse strains, and other concerns that may or may not require surgery. We are all bound to experience ankle pain at some point in our lives, and rather than assuming it will heal on its own, it's best to seek a podiatrist for professional medical care.
A podiatrist—like the team of experts right here at StrideCare—understands how important ankles are to our mobility. These foot specialists are trained to identify the root cause of your unique problem and help you heal faster instead of stuck with an injury or other issue that only gets more painful with time. Our team focuses on ankle treatment that reduces inflammation, supports healing, and restores stability so you can finally be free from ankle pain.
Do These Signs of Ankle Pain Sound Familiar?
- Pain, swelling, and bruising
- Localized pain in the ankle and heel
- Dull aching pain or sudden sharp pain
- Lingering pain for weeks and months at a time
- Tenderness to the touch
- Popping or snapping sounds during and after the injury
- Pain that's often worse after inactivity
- Difficulty walking
- Limited range of motion
- Visible deformities
- Numbness or tingling
- Weakness or a sense that your ankle might give out
Experiencing sudden or chronic ankle pain? See a StrideCare podiatrist today. Our collaborative approach ensures you receive the support you need for optimal foot care.
Understanding Ankle Anatomy and Ankle Pain
More than just a simple joint, your ankle joins your foot to your lower leg while at the same time supporting your body weight. The ankle facilitates movement through seamless bending and flexion upward toward your body (dorsiflexion) and down and away from your body (plantar flexion) and keeping you stable and balanced. This makes it what doctors refer to as a synovial joint because it has the most freedom to move and does so with very little friction.
The ankle joint is made up of three bones:
- Tibia — commonly referred to as the shinbone.
- Fibula — a smaller bone next to the tibia.
- Talus — a small bone that sits between the tibia and heel bone.
These bones are held together by a complex network of ligaments, muscles, cartilage, nerves, and blood vessels. Combined, they provide stability, seamless movement, cushioning, and the sensation we need to walk, run, stand, lean forward, and maintain our balance. That said, the ankle is one of the body's most sensitive and injury-prone joints. When something goes wrong with any part of this structure, it can cause a ripple effect of discomfort. This makes addressing ankle pain promptly much more critical.
As for what causes ankle pain, the quick answer is anything that strains the ankle joint—especially in athletes and active individuals. This could include a specific injury like a slip or fall, a previous injury like a fracture that never quite healed properly, overuse issues from standing or performing repetitive movements for too long, how you walk, your foot's shape, being overweight, and even poorly fitted or cushioned shoes.
Common Causes of Ankle Pain
While it is possible for many ankle pain symptoms to heal with rest, ice, and physical therapy, it's always good to have a qualified podiatrist check out your ankle to ensure there is not a deeper issue at play. What you think is nothing more than a mild strain could be something bigger and could put your ankle at risk for repeated injuries.
Here are five of the more common causes of ankle pain that our podiatrists see and treat:
1. Ankle sprains and strains
A sprained ankle happens when you twist or awkwardly turn your ankle. This usually happens from an awkward step or rolling situation. Remember, your ankle is meant to move up and down, not awkwardly to the side in either direction. When this happens, the ligaments that support your ankle stretch too far and can tear. Your risk is higher if you participate in sports or activities that require a sudden change of direction, like basketball or soccer. Depending on the severity of your ankle sprain or strain, symptoms can include everything from bruising and swelling to mild-to-severe pain and limited mobility in the ankle joint.
2. Ankle fracture
Also known as a broken bone, ankle fractures are extremely common. In fact, many of what we think is a sprain or strain turn out to be a fracture. That said, many of the ankle pain symptoms are different and include more throbbing pain, swelling, deformities, and the inability to bear weight on the injured ankle. The thing about fractures is that they can be the result of a specific injury (slip and fall, direct hit, etc.) or repetitive impacts that lead to developing fractures over time.
3. Arthritis
Many people associate arthritis and even ongoing inflammation from tendonitis as problems with your hands, knees, and other joints. The reality is that arthritis and tendonitis also impact ankles and can be difficult to overcome without a podiatrist in your corner. Examples of arthritis include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis. All of these can lead to persistent ankle pain, joint stiffness, and swelling.
4. Chronic ankle instability
During an ankle sprain, the ligaments can be stretched or torn. If the injury does not heal properly or is not rehabilitated completely, it can lead to persistent discomfort and swelling, tenderness, or pain on the outside of the ankle. A patient with chronic ankle instability can experience continued ankle injuries due to the instability. About 20 percent of acute ankle sprain patients develop this condition. Participating in activities that involve the ankle—such as ballet, gymnastics, basketball, or football—can lead to chronic ankle instability. Additionally, those who suffer from repeated ankle sprains are at an increased risk.
5. Achilles Tendonitis
While not directly an issue with the ankle, the Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel bone and can lead to overall ankle pain. While Achilles tendinitis can affect both men and women, podiatrists often see higher incidences among men, especially if they're older.
Foot care is essential for people of all ages. If you want to discuss your surgical and non-surgical options for ankle pain, schedule an appointment with StrideCare's expert podiatric physicians.
Can I Prevent Ankle Pain?
While ankle pain is inevitable for most people in some form or fashion, that does not mean these instances have to control your life and how active you are. There are things you can do to limit the likelihood of ankle pain, including losing weight, wearing proper footwear, and properly stretching before all strenuous activities. Slowly increasing activity levels or training intensity and wearing ankle braces can also avoid ankle pain. The bottom line is that listening to your body and resting is important if you experience discomfort. There is no need to push through pain.
If you cannot avoid ankle pain, effective treatment depends on the cause of the pain but may include:
- Limit activities that irritate or exacerbate an existing ankle injury.
- Reduce inflammation with rest and ice.
- Ask your podiatrist for a stretching treatment plan and physical therapy to improve flexibility.
- Invest in supportive shoes that protect and support the ankle.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Possible surgical intervention for complex cases.
StrideCare Podiatrists Can Help You Get You Back on Your Feet
We often treat our ankle pain as if it does not exist. We fight through it, decline to visit a doctor or podiatrist, and genuinely believe it will go away on its own. The reality is that ignoring any ankle pain can lead to more pronounced and painful symptoms. It can also make treatment and recovery much more difficult. Sometimes your ankle pain can be treated with rest and light stretching. However, if you do experience persistent ankle pain, give StrideCare a call. Before you know it, you will be back on your feet in no time.
Foot pain is not something to take lightly, nor is the care and expertise offered by podiatrists. Whether you have a minor issue or something more serious, the field of podiatry can play a role in helping you live a more comfortable, active life. With over 50 StrideCare clinic locations across the state finding an experienced, qualified podiatrist near you is easier than ever. A consultation with one of our podiatrists can determine the type, severity, and location of your foot pain issues.
StrideCare is a Texas-based practice, with each clinic locally managed. Our expert doctors and caring staff utilize the latest technologies and treatments to help our patients reclaim their lives. Please contact us at 866-552-4866 or complete the appointment form to schedule a consultation. At StrideCare, we are here to help, all while providing compassionate patient care.
StrideCare serves North Texas and South Texas communities, including Rowlett, Royce City, San Antonio, Sherman, South Dallas, Southlake, Stone Oak, Sugar Land, Sulphur Springs, The Woodlands, Waxahachie, Webster, Addison, Allen, Anna, Arlington, Austin, Carrollton, Celina, Clear Lake, Craig Ranch, Dallas, Euless, Flower Mound, Forney, Fort Worth, Frisco, Garland, Houston, Irving, Katy, Kaufman, Mansfield, McKinney, Mesquite, Midland, North Dallas, Odessa, Paris, Pecos, Plano, Prosper, Rockwall, Round Rock, and more.
*Patient names and/or photos may be changed to protect patient confidentiality.