The ankle is a fragile part of the human body, which can be the site of bothersome and disabling pain. Whether localized or diffuse, intense or weak, ankle pain can have many origins.

Painful ankle, what does it mean?

There are many explanations for the appearance of ankle pain. Connecting the foot to the leg, the ankle is a particularly vulnerable part of the human body. Given the complex structure of the ankle, pain can be classified according to the part affected:

• ankle bone pain;
• ankle joint pain;
• ankle ligament pain;
• muscle pain in the ankle;
• tendon pain in the ankle.

Ankle pain, how to identify it?

Due to the proximity and junction between the foot and the ankle, ankle pain and foot pain are often associated. Nevertheless, characteristic symptoms can point the diagnosis towards a painful ankle. This can be manifested by specific signs in the ankle such as:

• swelling of the ankle;
• the appearance of redness;
• the development of a hematoma;
• cracking joints;
• joint stiffness;
• muscle pain;
• ankle tenderness, especially when moving;
• difficulty moving the ankle.

Ankle pain, is it a trauma?

The ankle is a sensitive part of the human body. Trauma is particularly frequent there. Among ankle trauma, we find:

• ankle sprain, which affects the ligaments in the ankle joint and is accompanied by swelling;
• ankle sprain, which can occur when the ankle muscles are strained intensively;
• tendinopathy or tendonitis, which is an inflammation of a tendon or its sheath;
• rupture of the Achilles tendon, which causes sudden pain preventing walking;
• ankle dislocation, which is a loss of contact between joint surfaces;
• ankle fracture, which results in pain, severe swelling and difficulty walking.

Painful ankle, is it a joint disease?

The occurrence of ankle pain can also be a sign of a disease in the joints. There are often two types of joint disease in the ankle:

• Osteoarthritis: It is a so-called mechanical joint disease. It is due to an alteration of the cartilage and is mainly manifested by pain during movement.
• Arthritis: It is a so-called inflammatory joint disease. The inflammatory reaction causes pain at rest and when moving. Several forms of arthritis can develop in the ankle, including rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

While ankle pain may be temporary, it can persist and expose the ankle to certain complications.

Repeated sprains or fractures can in particular promote the development of certain diseases, such as osteoarthritis.

Emergency examination

An emergency medical consultation is particularly required in the event of:

• ankle trauma, especially during a fracture;
• severe ankle pain, the onset of which is sudden and sudden.

Physical examination

In case of persistent or frequent pain in the ankle, it is also recommended to consult a health professional. A first clinical examination makes it possible to orient the diagnosis.

Additional tests

To deepen or confirm a diagnosis, additional examinations may be performed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often used to visualize the structures of the foot and ankle.

Treatments for ankle pain

The treatment of ankle pain depends above all on the identified cause.

• If the cause is traumatic, immobilization of the ankle may be necessary. Applying ice can also help relieve ankle pain.
• If the cause is inflammatory, anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed.