What can Cause Ankle Pain without Injury?

Ankle pain can occur due to several reasons. While a doctor is the best person to identify what is the reason of ankle pain or why ankle pain occurs, you can understand about the various conditions that may cause pain ankle pain as follows:

Arthritis 

1. The ankle's redness, stiffness and pain may result from ankle joint arthritis. Arthritis occurs when the cartilage in a joint breaks down. Cartilage is tissue in the joints that cushions the bones.
2. This cartilage breakdown affects the bone, and the bones start to rub against each other during movements. Many types of arthritis can affect the ankle joint. The common ones are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
3. However, arthritis is more common in people aged 65 years and above. 

Infection 

1. Many types of infections, like cellulitis, can cause pain and swelling in the ankle joint.
2. Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin and the tissues under the skin. Osteomyelitis, a bone infection, can result from a staphylococcus bacterial infection, leading to pain in the ankles. 

Flat foot

1. Minimal or no arch in the sole of the foot is called a flat foot.
2. This may lead to swelling and pain in the ankles and feet. In some cases, the arches of the feet in kids are not adequately developed, resulting in flat foot.

Gout

1. Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs due to the build-up of a substance called uric acid in the body.
2. Usually, uric acid is expelled from the body through urine. But excess uric acid may lead to formation of crystals that settle in the joints, leading to swelling and ankle pain.

Plantar fasciitis 

1. The inflammation of the plantar fascia leads to a common condition called plantar fasciitis.
2. The plantar fascia is a rubber band-like ligament that stretches from the toes to the heel. Inflammation of this ligament majorly affects the foot, but sometimes, if this inflammation irritates a nerve, the pain may radiate up to the ankles.

Ankle pain is a symptom of an underlying condition or injury. But you may also notice other symptoms, such as stiffness, swelling, pain, and redness, along with ankle pain, that can make walking painful.

Consult a doctor, if:

1. Swelling and pain occur suddenly and continue to worsen despite rest
2. The pain is severe or does not subside even after two to three days after using home remedies like an ice pack
3. You are unable to put weight on the ankle
4. The area becomes warm or red to the touch or you have a fever.

The doctor examines the ankle and foot and checks for redness, swelling, and bruising. They will do some tests to assess the movements and may order an imaging test such as MRI, X-ray, or CT scan. If the doctor thinks that an infection is causing the pain, they might ask for blood tests, to confirm the diagnosis.

The best way to avoid ankle pain is to do regular exercise and keep the bones, tendons, and ligaments strong. But first, one must do the following:

1. Maintaining a healthy weight: Being obese puts extra weight and pressure on the joints, eventually affecting the ankles.
2. Warm up properly: Stretching and warming up are essential before any physical activity. The soft tissues and muscles have lesser chances of getting hurt when they’re warm.
3. Strengthen other muscles: Keeping other muscles healthy and strong provides more support to the ankle and lowers the risk of injury.
4. Do not ignore pain: If any activity or movement gets too uncomfortable and causes pain, then take a break. Continuation of any physical activity along with pain may worsen it. 

Still, if your ankle pain does not subside, it’s time to seek professional help and contact a doctor.

Now, you know the reasons for what can cause ankle pain without injury. You might have some underlying condition causing ankle pain. If your ankle pain worsens after 2-3 days, it is time that you consult a doctor, like an orthopaedic specialist. 

Contact our personal care team to know the correct diagnosis and treatment for your ankle pain. They will help you find the best podiatrist or orthopaedist near you and guide you with all the information you need. If you are curious about your ankle pain and want to learn more, visit our website Hexahealth.