Ankle pain

What is Ankle pain? Ankle pain involves experiencing pain in the ankle. It can make moving and walking on the ankle painful and difficult.

What is Ankle pain?

Ankle pain involves experiencing pain in the ankle. It can make moving and walking on the ankle painful and difficult.

The ankle is made up of three bones:

The shin bone (tibia)
The thinner bone running next to the shin bone (fibula)
A foot bone that sits above the heel bone (talus)

The bumps or bony, knobbly bits (or protrusions) seen and felt on the ankle have their own names:

The medial malleolus, felt on the inside of your ankle is part of the tibia's base
The posterior malleolus, felt on the back of your ankle is also part of the tibia's base
The lateral malleolus, felt on the outside of your ankle is the low end of the fibula

Even though the ankle is only made up of three bones it is still more than a simple hinge joint:

The ankle joint allows for up-and-down movement of the foot
The subtalar joint sits below the ankle joint and allows side-to-side motion of the foot
Numerous ligaments (made of tough, moveable tissue) surround the true ankle and subtalar joints, binding the bones of the leg to each other and to those of the foot.

What ankle conditions are there?

Ankle arthritis: While it's not common, osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, can affect the ankle.

Rheumatoid arthritis: Anyone can be affected by rheumatoid arthritis, it's an autoimmune form of arthritis in which the body attacks joint tissue, causing inflammation, pain and swelling. Any joint may be affected by rheumatoid arthritis, including the ankle.

Psoriatic arthritis: This form of arthritis, which presents with swelling and pain, is associated with the skin condition psoriasis. Many joints, including the ankle, may be affected by psoriasis.

Septic arthritis: This form of arthritis is caused by bacterial infections that may occur in the ankle, this form of arthritis develops quickly, causing severe pain, swelling, fever and difficulty moving the ankle.

Sprained ankle: Damage to one of the ligaments in the ankle, usually from an accidental twist of the foot or from tripping over. Rehabilitation can prevent pain and swelling from becoming a long-term problem.

High ankle sprain: This is where the ligament joining the two bones of the lower leg (tibia and fibula), called the syndesmotic ligament, is injured. A high ankle sprain causes pain and swelling similar to a true ankle sprain, but can take longer to heal.

Ankle fracture or broken ankle: A break in any of the three bones in the ankle. Most commonly, the bones of the lower leg (tibia or fibula) are fractured. It usually takes four to eight weeks to heal.

Gout: A form of arthritis in which crystals periodically deposit in joints, causing severe pain and swelling. The ankle may sometimes be affected by gout.

What tests are there for the ankle?

Physical examination: A consultant's examination of the ankle may identify whether an ankle fracture, sprain, or another condition is present.

Ankle X-ray: An X-ray of the ankle is most commonly used to determine a fracture, arthritis or other problems.

Stress X-ray: A doctor puts pressure on an injured ankle and takes an X-ray. Also called a stress film or a stress test, this may uncover ankle problems unseen on regular X-rays.

Magnetic resonance imaging: An MRI scanner uses a high-powered magnet and a computer to create high-resolution images of the ankle.

If you feel aches and pains in your ankle and you've got concerns we'd recommend you visit your GP or get in touch with us directly so we can support you and give you our best professional advice.