Because your ankle bears the weight of your entire body, it is often prone to pain and injury. Ankle pain can be felt on the inner portion of the ankle, on the outer portion, along the Achilles tendon, and even near the upper portion of the foot.

Ankle pain causes are typically easy to treat, but sometimes take some time to resolve. This is why it is important to understand the ankle pain symptoms and causes, so that you can begin treatment immediately. Learn how to prevent ankle pain with advice from Medi-Dyne. We also have ankle pain exercises that can help ease your pain.

Causes

Ankle Pain Causes

Anyone can experience ankle pain, whether they are very active or not. Some of the most common of those causes include:

  • Ankle Sprain – This occurs when the joint of the ankle suddenly becomes forcefully twisted or bent, causing the ligaments to stretch or tear. This is common in individuals who play sports but could happen to anyone while walking down the street.
  • Weak Ankles – Ankles become weak due to a variety of causes. They may be hereditary, occur do to over-use, excessive body weight, or as the result of a previous injury.
  • Achilles Tendonitis – Achilles tendonitis is a condition that affects the Achilles tendon and often causes pain at the back of the ankles.
  • Arthritis – Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints and often causes the ankle to become inflamed and weak.
Symptoms

Ankle Pain Symptoms

Ankle pain symptoms can range from occasional aches and pains which are often treatable at home, including:

  • Pain in the ankle while walking, running, jogging, or jumping

To more severe pain:

  • Redness around the ankle
  • Swelling or inflammation of the ankle
  • A dull pain that is present, even when immobile
  • The inability to walk up or down stairs

Be sure to see your doctor if you have any question about your ankle pain or if symptoms get worse.

Treatments

Ankle Pain Treatment

When you’re in pain what you really want is relief. Often immediate relief is only part of the solution. That’s why stretching and strengthening provide the long-term solution that will keep you pain free and at peak performance.

 

Immediate Relief

Support

  • Tuli's® Gaitors® 3/4 Length Insoles - Combines light-weight shock absorption with superior arch support in an ultra-thin carbon fiber orthotic that delivers long-lasting relief and comfort.

 

    Long-Term Healing

    Stretch and Strengthen

    • ProStretch Plus® Adjustable Calf and Foot Stretcher – The ProStretch Plus® is a tool that you can take with you anywhere you go. If you have a few minutes at work and you are feeling the weakness in your ankles, pull it out and do some stretching and strengthening exercises. Flexibility and strength of the calf and plantar fascia are critical to ankle performance. This product is proven effective to provide a deep, gradual stretch that increases flexibility. The ProStretch Plus is biomechanically engineered to enable a controlled and targeted stretch, and is preferred by athletes, trainers, and physical therapists for over 20 years.
    • StretchRite® - Features six ergonomically-shaped handgrips that offer a comfortable non-cinching hold and make it simple to adjust tension during the stretch. Now you can individualize your stretching program and more easily monitor your progress.

    Support

    • Tuli’s® Cheetah® Heel Cup and Compression Sleeve, OSFA – These are perfect for the athlete that puts incredible amounts of pressure on their feet and ankles. Most commonly, gymnasts and dancers can feel a lot of weakness in the ankles, but Cheetah allow for more support while performing, as well as off the stage.