Ankle pain, whether caused by a sprain/strain or a chronic injury, can significantly disrupt your daily activities. The ankle plays an essential role in supporting the body, so an injury in this area can be particularly limiting. Fortunately, various healthcare professionals can help relieve your pain and restore the mobility you need to return to your activities.
Common types of ankle pain
The most common types of ankle pain include:
- Sharp, stabbing pain, often related to a sprain or sometimes even a fracture,
- Diffuse or constant pain, which may be associated with osteoarthritis or chronic overload,
- Localized pain, such as in cases of tendinitis, particularly involving the Achilles tendon,
- A burning sensation, which may occur in cases of inflammation or nerve irritation,
- Mechanical pain, accompanied by stiffness, frequently appearing after prolonged static positions or in the presence of joint impingement.
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What are the main causes and symptoms of ankle pain?
Ankle pain can have various causes and present in different ways. Identifying the type of pain helps better understand the source of the problem and find appropriate solutions.
How to treat ankle pain?
3 expert tips for treating a sprain
Adjust your activity level: Stop activities that cause pain, but continue moving your ankle within pain-free ranges to help prevent stiffness from developing. Movement is the best way to promote healing.
Apply compression: Wrap an elastic bandage around the swollen area and keep it in place as much as possible. Be careful not to restrict blood circulation. If you notice loss of sensation, discoloration, or numbness, the bandage is too tight.
Elevate the affected limb: Raise the injured ankle above heart level as often as possible to help limit swelling (edema).
Which professional should you consult?
Different healthcare professionals often work together to maximize results. If you are unsure, we recommend consulting a physiotherapist first so they can assess your needs and determine the appropriate treatments based on your specific ankle condition. If necessary, they will refer you to the appropriate professional(s) to optimize your rehabilitation.
Why consult a physiotherapist?
After a thorough assessment of your ankle, a physiotherapist will explain which structures are affected and offer you a treatment plan based on your goals. Different options can be considered such as exercises specific to your condition, joint mobilizations and muscle relaxation techniques. Your physiotherapist will also give you advice on how to relieve pain and get back to your activities.
Why consult an occupational therapist?
An occupational therapist will assess the impact of your ankle’s condition on your usual abilities such as working, doing household chores and hobbies. Their treatments, which can take the form of strengthening exercises or simulating work tasks, for example, will help you maximize your autonomy at each stage of your recovery.
Why consult an osteopath?
Using different manual techniques, an osteopath will treat mobility restrictions that can affect all the structures of your body (bones, muscles, ligaments, viscera, etc.) related to your ankle. Improved mobility enables the body to recover better and reduces pain.
Why consult a massage therapist?
A massage therapist will work primarily to release tension in the superficial and deep tissues that affect your ankle to help you reduce pain and move more freely. Their treatments will also help increase blood circulation to promote better recovery.
Why consult an acupuncturist?
Through various techniques and using therapeutic tools such as needles and suction cups, an acupuncturist will act to reduce pain, stress, muscle tension and inflammation that can occur following an ankle injury.
Why consult a kinesiologist?
A kinesiologist will teach you how to do adapted exercises based on their evaluation of your ability to move your ankle and your physical condition, so that you can resume your activities.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why is my ankle swollen?
A swollen ankle is often caused by a sprain, an awkward movement, or overuse. Swelling is a normal inflammatory response, but it can also indicate a ligament or tendon injury. Limit painful activities (also called relative rest) and elevate your leg when possible, which can be helpful at the beginning. If the pain is significant, you have difficulty walking, or the swelling persists, a physiotherapy assessment is recommended.
Why do I have ankle pain when running?
Ankle pain while running is frequently linked to progressing training too quickly, wearing inadequate footwear, or muscle weakness. Tendinitis and lingering effects of a previous sprain are common causes. Adjusting your training plan, strengthening the ankle, and working on balance can help prevent recurrence. If the pain persists or returns with every run, an evaluation can help identify the exact cause and establish an appropriate treatment plan.
How long does ankle pain last?
It depends on the cause. A mild irritation may resolve within a few days, while a sprain or tendinitis can require several weeks to heal. Pain that persists beyond 7 to 10 days should be evaluated.
