
Introduction
Ankle pain while walking is a common issue these days. Ankle is a complicated mechanism in the human body. Bones, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage all work together in the ankle. Running, standing or walking everything depends on these. Ankle is one of the most used body parts, which is why it’s very common to get hurt in your ankle.
Anatomy of the Ankle
Ankle joint is also known as talocrural joint, which contains cartilage, ligaments, muscles, nerves and blood vessels. It’s joining your foot to the lower leg. Ankle moves in two directions and you can use them when you move your feet.
Common Causes of Ankle Pain When Walking
Sprains and Strains
Sprains and strains are very common injuries which affect the soft-tissues of the ankle. If the tissues stretch too far then this kind of injury takes place. Though they sound similar, the tissues involved in the injury are totally different.
Sprains mainly happened to ligament tissues and strains happened to the muscles which attach muscles to bones and other structures.

Symptoms
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Instability in the ankle
- Limited range of motion
- Pain, especially when bearing weight on the affected foot
Treatment
- Don’t do activities that cause pain or discomfort.
- Applying ice packs can also reduce swelling. Use ice packs on the injuries every 15-20 minutes for every 2-3 hours.
- Elevating the injuries can help reduce the pain. You can elevate the injured ankle by placing a pillow under your limb.
- There are some Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which can ease swelling and pain in an injury.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis are some cords of tissues which attach your muscles to your bones. When a tendon gets injured, you experience intense pain around the joint of the ankle. Tendonitis is a very common cause of ankle pain.
Symptoms
- Pain, especially during movement or activity
- Swelling in the affected area.
- stiffness in the affected area, particularly after periods of inactivity.
- Muscle weakness in the affected area.
Treatment
- Avoid activities and take a good amount of rest.
- Use some anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce the pain.
- Apply some ice packs to the affected area.
- Use a compression bandage or brace to help reduce swelling.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a common cause of ankle pain nowadays. It can affect any joint in the body, including the ankle. The most common arthritis which affects the ankle is called osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms
- Tenderness around the joint of the ankle.
- Stiffness around the ankle.
- Redness or warmth in the ankle.
- Problem while waking.
Treatment
- With age you can develop arthritis in the ankle.
- Any previous injury in the ankle can lead to arthritis.
- You can use ankle braces or shoes which will help to stabilize your ankle.
Fractures
A crack or a break is called fracture. Ankle fractures involve breaks in one or more of the bones that constitute the ankle joint, which includes the tibia, fibula, and talus. These fractures can vary from small cracks to severe breaks.
Symptoms
- Immediate and a sharp pain from the fracture area.
- Hasty swelling around the ankle.
- Difficulty or inability while walking or standing on the affected foot.
- Instance pain when touching the affected area.
- Discoloration of skin color around the affected area.
Treatment
- Apply ice packs to reduce swelling and pain.
- Use an elastic bandage or splint to stabilize the ankle.
- Don’t give weight on the affected leg.
- Went to a doctor or healthcare center for further treatment.

When to Worry About a Sprained Ankle
The joint of the ankle connects your leg to the food. There are three ligaments which the ankle uses to keep your ankle bones in place. A sprained ankle is when one of these ligaments is expanded too far or torn. While many sprains can be treated at home, certain signs and symptoms may indicate a more serious injury that requires medical attention. If you feel any kind of ankle pain when walking, you should consult a doctor immediately.
Signs to Seek Medical Attention
- If the pain is continuously increasing and doesn’t improve with rest, ice, compression, and elevation, then it could indicate a more severe injury.
- If you can’t walk or put any weight on that leg or can’t even walk then you should see a doctor.
- Swelling is very common in leg injury but if it is not decreasing after several home treatments, it might indicate a more serious injury like a fracture.
- If your ankle feels unstable or wobbly, even after the initial swelling and pain have subsided, it could be a sign of ligament damage. which may need professional treatment.
- If after several weeks the swelling, pain or redness doesn’t improve then it’s time to see a doctor.
Diagnosing Ankle Pain
Ankle pain can arise from various reasons, including sprains, fractures, arthritis, tendonitis, and other conditions. You need to do a proper diagnosis to identify the actual reason. There are few steps to diagnosis the cause of pain which are-
- Physical Examination
- X-rays
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
- CT Scan (Computed Tomography)
- Blood Tests
- Joint Aspiration

Treatment Options for Ankle Pain
There are few common treatments for ankle pain. They are-
- Rest
You need a proper rest to heal any kind of injuries. Avoid activities that exacerbate the pain to allow healing in the injured area.
- Ice
Ice compression can decrease some kinds of pain. So use some ice packs on the affected areas.
- Pain Relievers
There are few pain relivents found in the markets. Some medicines can decrease the pain but they only work for a few hours.
- Exercises
There are some exercises for pain relief but before doing all them you need proper guidance.
- Surgical Treatment
This is the last option of the treatment. Minimally invasive surgery to diagnose and treat joint problems but it also treats torn tendons, broken bones etc.
Conclusion
Ankle pain can happen for many reasons. But you need to properly diagnose to find a reason for the pain and do proper treatment. Seeking Pain Management & professional medical advice is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of ankle pain, ensuring proper healing and preventing complications. Feeling any kind of ankle pain when walking is a sign that you need proper care of your feet.
FAQs
- How can I tell if my ankle pain is serious?
You need to do a proper diagnosis to identify the actual reason for your ankle pain.
- What is the best treatment for ankle pain?
Treatment can be done on the basis of injury. It’s very important to identify the reasons, including sprains, fractures, arthritis, tendonitis, and other conditions and for further treatment.
- How long does it take for ankle pain to heal?
It depends on the injury and the treatment. But it almost takes a couple of weeks to heal any kind of ankle pain.