“Why do I have chronic ankle pain?”
My ankle hurts all the time. What could be the cause? What doctor should I see?
5 Answers
Ankle pain can be from multiple reasons. Tendinitis, bursitis, chronic sprains, impingement or arthritis. It depends on age, activities, injury or h/o inflammatory conditions. See orthopedic doctor. Rupesh Tarwala
I suggest you see a podiatrist for proper diagnosis
Chronic ankle pain can be frustrating and impact your daily life, so it’s important to understand the potential causes. There are several reasons why you might be experiencing persistent ankle pain, and a proper diagnosis is key to finding the right treatment.
One common cause of chronic ankle pain is **ankle instability**. This often occurs after repeated ankle sprains that weaken the ligaments, making it difficult for your ankle to support your body’s weight. If the ligaments have not healed properly or if the injury was not fully rehabilitated, this can lead to ongoing pain and a feeling of the ankle giving way.
Another possible cause is **arthritis**, particularly **osteoarthritis** or **post-traumatic arthritis**. These conditions develop when the cartilage in the joint wears down over time, either due to age or as a result of an injury. Arthritis can cause stiffness, swelling, and a deep, aching pain in the ankle that worsens with activity.
**Tendonitis** is another condition that might be contributing to your chronic ankle pain. This occurs when the tendons around the ankle become inflamed, often due to overuse or repetitive strain. The **Achilles tendon** is commonly affected, and the pain can be sharp or throbbing, especially after physical activity.
In some cases, the pain could be due to a condition known as **tarsal tunnel syndrome**. This involves compression of the **posterior tibial nerve** as it passes through the tarsal tunnel, a narrow space inside the ankle. Symptoms include pain, tingling, or numbness that can radiate from the ankle to the foot.
Other potential causes include **fractures**, **stress fractures**, or even **nerve damage** from conditions like **diabetes**. Less commonly, chronic ankle pain might be due to a **bone spur** or **synovitis**, an inflammation of the joint lining.
To determine the exact cause of your chronic ankle pain, I recommend visiting a healthcare professional, such as a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist. They may perform a physical examination, review your medical history, and possibly order imaging tests like X-rays, an MRI, or an ultrasound.
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause but may include physical therapy, medications, orthotics, or in some cases, surgical intervention. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in managing the pain and preventing further damage.
If you’re experiencing chronic ankle pain, it’s important to seek professional help. Ignoring the pain or continuing to push through it could lead to worsening symptoms or further injury. Your healthcare provider can help you find a treatment plan that works for you and gets you back to your regular activities without pain.
One common cause of chronic ankle pain is **ankle instability**. This often occurs after repeated ankle sprains that weaken the ligaments, making it difficult for your ankle to support your body’s weight. If the ligaments have not healed properly or if the injury was not fully rehabilitated, this can lead to ongoing pain and a feeling of the ankle giving way.
Another possible cause is **arthritis**, particularly **osteoarthritis** or **post-traumatic arthritis**. These conditions develop when the cartilage in the joint wears down over time, either due to age or as a result of an injury. Arthritis can cause stiffness, swelling, and a deep, aching pain in the ankle that worsens with activity.
**Tendonitis** is another condition that might be contributing to your chronic ankle pain. This occurs when the tendons around the ankle become inflamed, often due to overuse or repetitive strain. The **Achilles tendon** is commonly affected, and the pain can be sharp or throbbing, especially after physical activity.
In some cases, the pain could be due to a condition known as **tarsal tunnel syndrome**. This involves compression of the **posterior tibial nerve** as it passes through the tarsal tunnel, a narrow space inside the ankle. Symptoms include pain, tingling, or numbness that can radiate from the ankle to the foot.
Other potential causes include **fractures**, **stress fractures**, or even **nerve damage** from conditions like **diabetes**. Less commonly, chronic ankle pain might be due to a **bone spur** or **synovitis**, an inflammation of the joint lining.
To determine the exact cause of your chronic ankle pain, I recommend visiting a healthcare professional, such as a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist. They may perform a physical examination, review your medical history, and possibly order imaging tests like X-rays, an MRI, or an ultrasound.
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause but may include physical therapy, medications, orthotics, or in some cases, surgical intervention. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in managing the pain and preventing further damage.
If you’re experiencing chronic ankle pain, it’s important to seek professional help. Ignoring the pain or continuing to push through it could lead to worsening symptoms or further injury. Your healthcare provider can help you find a treatment plan that works for you and gets you back to your regular activities without pain.
It may be restriction and/or misalignment of the ankle and foot. Chiropractic adjustments work well to correct this condition as there are 26 moveable bones in the foot and ankle
Chronic pain of a single joint is usually caused by one of two things. Historical injury (cumulative minor injuries or a singular major trauma) which has never fully healed, or some type of anatomical abnormality unique to your particular ankle joint. The latter can be acquired by favoring one side or the other, poor posture or balance, or general overuse of the ankle relative to the unaffected side. I would start by seeing your primary care doctor, who will help diagnose the issue and refer you to any specialists if necessary. They can also order various tests such as x-rays and MRIs if indicated.
