A Comprehensive Guide to Different Types of Ankle Pain

Our El Paso Podiatrists Describe Different Kinds of Ankle Pain

Ankle pain is a common complaint that can leave you feeling frustrated and limited in your daily activities. There are a number of different ankle pain types, ranging from a simple sprain that may resolve with home care to a serious injury or chronic ankle pain that requires professional evaluation and treatment.

The experienced El Paso podiatrists at The Foot Institute have the knowledge and skills to diagnose your ankle pain accurately. We'll take the time to fully understand your symptoms, medical history, and typical activities in order to create an individualized treatment plan to relieve your pain and help you regain mobility regardless of what type of ankle pain you are experiencing. Learn about various kinds of ankle discomfort below.  

Acute Ankle Injuries 

Acute ankle injuries occur suddenly due to a specific incident. Common acute injuries include:

Sprains

A sprain occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle stretch or tear. Ankle sprains are common in sports or other activities that require jumping, pivoting, or running on uneven surfaces. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot.

Strains

An ankle strain involves an overstretched or torn muscle or tendon. Things like overuse, falls, or direct impact can cause strains. Pain, muscle spasms, swelling, and limited range of motion are signs of an ankle strain.

Fractures

Broken bones in the ankle joint can sideline you for weeks to months. Falls, direct blows, and severe twisting injuries are the most common causes of ankle fractures. If you have severe pain, rapid swelling, numbness, a visible deformity, or are unable to put any weight on your foot, seek immediate medical care.

Chronic Ankle Conditions

Some ankle pain types are chronic in nature. They usually develop gradually due to wear and tear, structural problems, or disease processes such as:

Ankle Arthritis

Arthritis is a catch-all term for joint inflammation. Different types of arthritis can affect the ankles, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis. Common symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, and a feeling of grinding or popping in the joint.

Ankle Instability

Repeatedly rolling or spraining your ankle can overstretch the supporting ligaments, leading to ankle instability that causes chronic ankle pain. If your ankle frequently "gives way" or feels wobbly, especially on uneven ground, this could be a sign of ankle instability.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons that attach the leg muscles to the ankle bones. Overuse is a common cause of painful conditions like Achilles tendonitis, peroneal tendonitis, and posterior tibial tendonitis. Symptoms include ankle pain that worsens with activity, swelling, stiffness, and sometimes a burning sensation.

Nerve-Related Ankle Pain

Nerves run from the spine all the way down to the toes. Compression or damage to these nerves from an injury, structural issue, or disease can cause radiating ankle pain. Ankle pain types that stem from nerve issues include:

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome 

Much like carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist, tarsal tunnel syndrome develops when the posterior tibial nerve is compressed as it travels through the tarsal tunnel in the inner ankle. Numbness, burning, tingling, and shooting pains in the ankle and foot are hallmark symptoms.

Sciatica

A pinched sciatic nerve in the lower back can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness that extends down the leg and into the ankle and foot. The pain may feel like an electric shock and worsen with coughing, sneezing, or long periods of sitting. 

Peripheral Neuropathy

Diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, and other metabolic problems can damage the peripheral nerves over time. The earliest signs of peripheral neuropathy include numbness, tingling, and burning pain in the ankles and feet. If you experience these symptoms, it may be time to consult our El Paso podiatrists.

Overuse Injuries of the Ankle

Repetitive stress on the bones, muscles, and connective tissues of the ankle joint can cause painful overuse injuries. Examples include:

Stress Fractures

Unlike an acute fracture that happens in a single moment, a stress fracture develops as a result of cumulative strain on the bones of the ankle. Runners, dancers, and gymnasts are especially prone to stress fractures. Symptoms are usually mild at first but worsen over time. Aching pain, swelling, and bruising are common signs.

Sinus Tarsi Syndrome

The sinus tarsi is a small tunnel between two bones in the outer ankle. Overuse, particularly from activities with repetitive ankle motions, can inflame the lining of this tunnel. If you have a vague pain in the outer ankle that gets worse the more active you are, sinus tarsi syndrome could be to blame.

Ankle Bursitis

Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion and lubricate the ankle joint. Excessive friction from repetitive ankle movements can inflame the bursae, leading to pain and swelling. The pain often feels worse in the morning, gets better with activity, and then worsens again at the end of the day.

How Our El Paso Podiatrists Can Help

Foot or ankle pain should not be ignored. Getting help for your ankle pain starts with seeing a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment. Our El Paso podiatrists will examine your ankle at one of our four locations, review your medical history, and talk to you about the pain you are experiencing. Once your foot doctor identifies the type of ankle pain you have and its cause, they will be able to recommend an appropriate treatment plan that meets your needs.