What can Cause Ankle Pain Without Injury?
We know that ankle pain can be caused by injuries, like sprains and fractures. But what if you acquire sudden ankle pain without injury?
There are a number of different ways you could conceivably develop ankle pain without ever injuring your ankle at all. In this post, we'll explore some of those causes, so you can better understand your ankle pain and get the relief you need. Read on!
What can cause ankle pain without injury?
One common cause of non-injury ankle pain is wearing uncomfortable shoes for a long period of time. This could cause you to alter your normal walking or standing posture, putting additional weight on the ankles, and causing them to become painful or swollen. 1
Plantar fasciitis is another medical condition that people can develop and may also cause pain on the bottom part of your foot and in the ankles. There is a long band of tissue that extends from the ankle, along the bottom of the foot, all the way to the toes. If this tissue band becomes inflamed, it may impart a noticeable stabbing pain to your heel or any other part of the tissue. This occurs most commonly in the morning, right after you wake up and take your first few steps of the day. 2 Another cause of sudden ankle pain without injury is gout , which is caused by a buildup of excess uric acid in the joint. This generally triggers more stabbing pains in the area of the big toe or in the heel of your foot. Such attacks can occur at any time of day or night and may subside after you've taken anti-inflammatory medication if your physician recommends. 3
Ankle arthritis is another common condition that may develop and may require a whole separate treatment strategy for it to be effectively managed.
Ankle arthritis
Among the list of ankle pain causes, arthritis is one that impacts a large number of people globally. For people who have led very active lifestyles, it stands to reason that one of the most used joints might eventually develop arthritic symptoms.4 In this case, if you experience sudden ankle pain without injury, your doctor may recommend treatment options such as cortisone injections, ankle bracing, altering your activities, ice therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications.5 Surgery is typically reserved by your physician as a last resort option after all non-surgical options have been explored.
When surgery is indicated, there are a few options your doctor may explore with you. First, a bone spur removal might be sufficient to relieve pain and inflammation in the ankle. Ankle fusion might be considered, and this procedure will fuse the tibia and talus bones together. Many arthritis patients opt for this procedure because it effectively provides pain relief.5
Another option your doctor may recommend is a total ankle replacement, and this may be effective at relieving pain and restoring some level of joint mobility.4 One of the newer treatment options for ankle pain is offered by Paragon 28, in the form of its Apex 3D™ Total Ankle Replacement. Surgeons familiar with Apex 3D™ Total Ankle Replacement can be located by using our surgeon finder.6
Ankle pain is no fun
Ankle pain can be caused by a number of different factors, some of which may not seem obvious. If you are experiencing ankle pain and have ruled out any injuries, it might be worth considering some of the other causes we’ve outlined in this article. We hope this information was helpful and that you feel better equipped to deal with your ankle pain.
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