The ankle is the most commonly injured joint,
according to a 2009 “American Family Physician” article. The repetitive
flexion and extension of your ankle during walking can lead to pain and
injury -- or it can aggravate an existing condition. Ankle pain can be a
symptom of an ankle sprain, osteoarthritis and tendinitis. Treatment
includes anti-inflammatory drugs, rest, and ice. Consult your doctor if
pain persists despite these measures.
An ankle sprain occurs when ligaments around your
ankle are overstretched or torn. Stepping in a hole or simply twisting
your ankle may result in a mild to severe ankle sprain. Besides pain,
you may experience swelling, bruising and decreased range of motion. An
ankle sprain can also cause you to have a noticeable limp while walking,
and it may prevent you from performing other activities, such as
running and jumping.
Ankle impingement syndrome occurs when tendons or
nerves around your ankle are compressed, resulting in chronic pain. A
2006 article in the journal “Foot and Ankle Clinics of North America”
states that runners, dancers, high jumpers and volleyball players are
more susceptible to developing ankle impingement syndrome. The repetitive
flexion and extension of your foot and ankle during walking can cause
compression of nerves and tendons as well. Additional symptoms include
swelling, joint stiffness, and numbness or tingling.
Ankle Sprain
An ankle sprain occurs when ligaments around your
ankle are overstretched or torn. Stepping in a hole or simply twisting
your ankle may result in a mild to severe ankle sprain. Besides pain,
you may experience swelling, bruising and decreased range of motion. An
ankle sprain can also cause you to have a noticeable limp while walking,
and it may prevent you from performing other activities, such as
running and jumping.
Impingement Syndrome
Ankle impingement syndrome occurs when tendons or
nerves around your ankle are compressed, resulting in chronic pain. A
2006 article in the journal “Foot and Ankle Clinics of North America”
states that runners, dancers, high jumpers and volleyball players are
more susceptible to developing ankle impingement syndrome. The
repetitive flexion and extension of your foot and ankle during walking
can cause compression of nerves and tendons as well. Additional symptoms
include swelling, joint stiffness, and numbness or tingling.
Osteoarthritis
Overuse, previous ankle injuries, and normal wear
and tear can result in osteoarthritis over time. Osteoarthritis results
from the gradual wearing away of the cartilage in your ankle. Common
symptoms include “grinding” during ankle movement, joint stiffness, pain
deep in the joint and ankle instability. Bone spurs within your ankle
joint and joint deformity are complications of advanced osteoarthritis.
Weight-bearing activities like walking may increase your ankle pain and
cause further deterioration.
Treatment
If you suspect your ankle pain is the result of a
mild injury, you can try the usual RICE measures: rest, ice, compression
and elevation, but seek medical attention if the pain persists.
Depending on the severity and cause of your ankle pain, your physician
may recommend NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen; corticosteroid injections;
orthotics; physical therapy; and surgery.
