Ankle pain can be a debilitating condition that affects millions of people around the world. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as injury, overuse, or age-related wear and tear. Fortunately, there are many treatments available to help alleviate the pain and improve mobility. In this article, we will discuss the causes of ankle pain and provide information on how to identify and treat it. We will also look at various home remedies that can help reduce symptoms.

Ankle Pain Causes & Treatments

To start, knowing the common causes of ankle pain can help you understand what’s causing your discomfort and how to best treat it. It’s important to note that ankle pain can be caused by more than one factor and that diagnosis and treatment should always be done under the guidance of a medical professional. Common causes of ankle pain include ankle injuries, ankle sprains, fractures, a bone bruise, tendonitis, arthritis, bursitis, gout, and/or nerve damage.

Ankle Sprains – A sprained ankle is one of the most common types of ankle injuries and causes immediate ankle pain. It is an especially common injury among athletes, but can happen to anyone. A sprained ankle occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn due to a sudden twist or turn of the foot, which leads to instant ankle swelling, bruising and inflammation. Depending on how severe the injury is, you may be able to walk with a slight limp or you may not be able to put any weight on the foot whatsoever.

A sprained ankle can lead to long-term instability and chronic lateral ankle pain if not treated correctly. It is important to know how to recognize an ankle sprain and what treatment options are available in order to ensure a quick and successful recovery of your injured ankle.

Treatment options: The best way to heal a sprained ankle is with an excellent rehabilitation program. You will want to relieve pain as quickly as possible, while ensuring that the ankle heals fully and fast without any residual ankle pain, weakness or instability. We highly recommend either going to a physical therapist or using HEM Ankle Rehab, our at home ankle rehab program. Again, the goal is to help make sure you are protected from future soft tissue injuries (aka sprains) and chronic lateral ankle pain. We want to make sure your ankle is strong, stable and has healthy range of motion!

Ankle Fractures – A broken ankle can cause significant ankle pain and are one of the most common types of bone injuries, and can be caused by a variety of causes, including falls, motor vehicle accidents, and sports-related injuries. The severity of an ankle fracture is determined by the type of fracture that has occurred – whether it is a simple fracture or a more complex injury. If you have any type of ankle pain or injury, it is always best to get an XRAY first to find out if there is a broken ankle, because the treatment options can change significantly versus just an ankle sprain.

Treatment options: Treatment options for ankle fractures vary depending on the severity and location of the fracture, but may include immobilization with a cast or brace, rehabilitation programs (HEM Ankle Rehab), including physical therapy to restore range of motion and strength, and in some cases surgery to realign the bones. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after an ankle injury in order to receive proper diagnosis and treatment.

Bone Bruise – Ankle bone bruises are a common injury and another cause of ankle pain, which can be related to a number of different activities. They often occur when the ankle is twisted or turned in an awkward manner, resulting in the soft tissue around the ankle joint to become damaged. The severity of the bruise can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and swelling, depending on the extent of the injury. It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have an ankle bone bruise, as it can lead to further complications if left untreated.

Treatment options: Treatment for an ankle bone bruise may involve rest and ice to reduce swelling and pain. In more severe cases, surgery or immobilization may be necessary to ensure proper healing.

Tendonitis – Tendonitis is a painful condition that affects the tendons in the body. It is caused by inflammation of the tendon due to overuse or injury. Symptoms of tendonitis include swelling, tenderness and you will feel pain in the affected area. The most common locations for tendonitis are in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle.

Ankle tendonitis is specific to the ankle tendons and causes ankle pain. It is typically caused by overuse, repetitive motions, or trauma to the ankle. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected area.

Treatment options: Treatment options include rest, ice, physical therapy, and medications. Surgery may be necessary in severe cases. With proper treatment and care, most people can return to their normal activities without any long-term complications from ankle tendonitis.

Arthritis – Arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a chronic condition that causes inflammation, stiffness and pain in the joints, which can make it difficult to move or perform everyday tasks. There are many different types of arthritis, but all of them involve inflammation of the joints and can cause pain and disability if left untreated.

Ankle arthritis can cause ankle pain, swelling, and stiffness in the ankle. It is caused by the breakdown of cartilage in the joint, which leads to inflammation and pain. Symptoms of ankle arthritis include difficulty walking, redness or warmth in the joint area, and a grating sensation when moving your foot.

Treatment options: Treatment options for ankle arthritis include medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, and surgery.

Bursitis – Ankle bursitis occurs when the bursae in the ankle become inflamed, causing ankle pain and swelling. they can be all over the ankle, including the heel bone. It is a common condition that can be caused by injury, infection, or overuse.

Treatment options: Treatment for ankle bursitis typically involves rest, elevation of the affected area, and anti-inflammatory medications. In some cases, physical therapy may also be recommended to help relieve pain, restore range of motion and strength to the affected area.

Gout – Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid in the joints. It is one of the most painful forms of arthritis and can cause severe ankle pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness. The main cause of gout is an unhealthy diet that leads to a buildup of uric acid in the body. It can also be caused by certain medications or medical conditions.

Treatment options: Treatment for gout usually involves medications to reduce inflammation and relieve pain, as well as lifestyle changes such as reducing alcohol consumption and avoiding certain foods that are high in purines.

Nerve Damage – Ankle nerve damage can be a serious injury, resulting in ankle pain, numbness and weakness in the affected area. It is usually caused by trauma or a medical condition such as diabetes. In some cases, ankle nerve damage can lead to permanent disability or even paralysis if left untreated.

Treatment options: It is important to seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the symptoms associated with ankle nerve damage such as tingling, numbness, burning sensations or loss of sensation in the affected area. Diagnostic tests such as an MRI or CT scan may be required to assess the extent of the damage and determine an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment options may include physical therapy, medications and surgery depending on the severity of the injury.

As you can see, there are many different causes of ankle pain. It can be due to a specific injury, a medical condition, overuse, etc. If you have ankle pain, the most important first step is to get it diagnosed by a medical professional. Once you know the specific cause, then you can move forward with the best treatment option for you to eliminate ankle pain and heal.

HEM Ankle Rehab
For Ankle Pain

If you have ankle pain and are able to do a rehabilitation program, HEM Ankle Rehab contains everything you need to heal your ankle sprain fully and fast at home and is also far faster and cheaper than going to a physical therapist. We will show you exactly how to eliminate ankle pain and strengthen/stabilize/mobilize your ankles for full healing and future protections from injury.