If you exercise too rigorously or place too much stress on your ankle, it’s possible that you will experience ankle pain. This type of pain is very common and can be brought about by a myriad of different causes, some of which will need to be tended to if you want to effectively relieve your pain. Understanding the various causes of ankle pain should help you make the right decision on whether or not you should seek treatment.
Achilles Tendinitis
This is a common cause of ankle pain that occurs when the Achilles tendon is overused. This tendon is a thick band of tissue that directly connects the muscles of your lower leg to the heel bone. If you run regularly or play intensive sports, it’s likely that you will experience Achilles tendinitis at one time or another. While the pain can occur at any location between your heel bone and lower leg, the ankle is commonly affected.
Osteoarthritis
This is a very serious disease that causes the affected individual to experience a breakdown of their joints. Among the many different types of arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common type. This disease occurs when the padding that’s located at the ends of the bones in your body wear down. While this condition can adversely affect any joint, it’s particularly common in the hands, knees, and feet. Keep in mind that osteoarthritis can’t be reversed. However, the pain that you experience in your ankle can be managed.
Bursitis
Bursitis is a condition that occurs when the small sacs that provide cushion for your tendons and bones become inflamed. These sacs are filled with fluid and can become inflamed when too much pressure is placed on the bursae that surround the joint. While bursitis can occur in many areas of the body, it’s very common around the ankle and can cause you to experience a significant amount of pain. Make sure that you visit the doctor immediately if this pain is accompanied by excessive swelling and an inability to move properly.
Additional Causes
It’s important to understand that ankle pain can be caused by any injury to the tendons, bones, or ligaments that make up the ankle. Aside from the aforementioned causes, some of the additional reasons that you could experience ankle pain include a broken foot, a rupture of the Achilles tendon, stress fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, and plantar fasciitis.