“What should I do if my ankle hurts after running?”
I have ankle pain after running. What could be the cause? Should I see a doctor?
7 Answers
This is a great question.
The first question is where in the ankle does it hurt? The front, the back, the inside or outside? What type of mileage and where in the run does it hurt and what type of surface are you running on? Is there abnormal shoe wear that shows a deformity? When I evaluate runners I evaluate core strength. If the core is weak the pelvis is not stable at foot strike and the foot has to compensate. What is the hip rotation and knee alignment? What is the running style heel/toe, mid-foot, or toe? Is the Achilles tight - it frequently is? I send my runners to our athletic trainer who is also a running coach for a complete evaluation including running.
The first question is where in the ankle does it hurt? The front, the back, the inside or outside? What type of mileage and where in the run does it hurt and what type of surface are you running on? Is there abnormal shoe wear that shows a deformity? When I evaluate runners I evaluate core strength. If the core is weak the pelvis is not stable at foot strike and the foot has to compensate. What is the hip rotation and knee alignment? What is the running style heel/toe, mid-foot, or toe? Is the Achilles tight - it frequently is? I send my runners to our athletic trainer who is also a running coach for a complete evaluation including running.
I would start with rest, ice and anti-inflammatories like Advil if you are able to take those kinds of medications. If the pain continues, then I would see your doctor. You may need X-rays. I would give it a couple of weeks.
Yes you should see a doctor. You can have tendinitis or other syndromes from running. A good orthopedic/sports medicine or foot and ankle Specialist can be helpful
Yes, you should see an orthopedic surgeon. Foot or ankle pain can be due to 15-20 things around the ankle and foot. The only way to sort it out is to have a physical examination. In the meantime, rest and advil 2-3 tablets with each meal.
Hope it helps!!
Dr. Bose
Hope it helps!!
Dr. Bose
Thanks for sharing your MSK issue. I hope my thoughts, tips and suggestions help you.
If I know more about the history of the ankle pain, I could be of better assistance. Is that the only time it hurts? How far do you run? Are your running shoes new? Do you run on asphalt/concrete or rubber (track) or grass? Do you perform gentle and controlled stretches prior to the run? Perhaps you can try cross-training (bike, elliptical, roller blade, Nordic track, rowing machine, etc.) instead of running to see if your ankle hurts after those activities. Perhaps too much impact across your ankle bones cause the surfaces of the bones to become over-pressured and bruised. If the pain completely resolves within a few hours, then I would not think there is a lot of roughening in the smooth joint. Therefore, keeping a ‘normal’ weight for your height and not running too fast or too long can perhaps lessen the feeling of pain.
I hope this helps.
David T. Neuman, MD FAAOS
If I know more about the history of the ankle pain, I could be of better assistance. Is that the only time it hurts? How far do you run? Are your running shoes new? Do you run on asphalt/concrete or rubber (track) or grass? Do you perform gentle and controlled stretches prior to the run? Perhaps you can try cross-training (bike, elliptical, roller blade, Nordic track, rowing machine, etc.) instead of running to see if your ankle hurts after those activities. Perhaps too much impact across your ankle bones cause the surfaces of the bones to become over-pressured and bruised. If the pain completely resolves within a few hours, then I would not think there is a lot of roughening in the smooth joint. Therefore, keeping a ‘normal’ weight for your height and not running too fast or too long can perhaps lessen the feeling of pain.
I hope this helps.
David T. Neuman, MD FAAOS
Take the usual first self-care steps. Make sure that you have proper running shoes. Make sure you are running on proper surfaces. I tell people with ankle pain to run on their high school track designed for running. Use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory such as Advil or Aleve. Taking it 1 hour before running helps. If these self-care measures are not helpful then definitely should consult with a musculoskeletal specialist. This includes a podiatrist, orthopedic doctor, physical medicine doctor or a family practitioner specializing in sports medicine. Consulting with athletic trainers and physical therapists can also be helpful..
Hello,
There are a lot of reasons your ankle can hurt after running. This could be from past ankle sprains, tendonitis, improper shoe type…. Best treatment for now and also so no permanent damage is to be evaluated by an orthopedic surgeon, X-rays and, if indicated, other tests.
Good luck. Happy Holidays.
There are a lot of reasons your ankle can hurt after running. This could be from past ankle sprains, tendonitis, improper shoe type…. Best treatment for now and also so no permanent damage is to be evaluated by an orthopedic surgeon, X-rays and, if indicated, other tests.
Good luck. Happy Holidays.
