However, not all ankle pain are from sprains. Pain in the ankle may also be a result of conditions like:
- Unresolved fracture
- Peroneal tendonitis and peroneal injuries
- Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD)
- Gout
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome (nerve compression)
- Infection
- Poor structural alignment (e.g. flat foot)
Common symptoms include swelling, pain, stiffness, and redness. Pain may range from a dull ache to a sharp, burning sensation during activities like standing or walking on uneven surfaces. More severe cases may involve bruising, limited mobility, or chronic instability.
Seeking early care allows for accurate diagnosis, guided recovery, and prevention of future injuries and complications.
Sprained ankle
Usually caused by overstretching or partial tearing of ligaments, often from twisting or rolling the ankle.
Ankle instability
A lingering sense of weakness or the ankle “giving way,” often after repeated or moderate to severe sprains.
Tendinitis
Inflammation of tendons around the ankle, such as the Achilles or peroneal tendons, leading to pain with movement.
Fractures
Breaks in one or more ankle bones, such as the fibula, causing sharp pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weigh
Bursitis
Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs around the ankle joint, often from repetitive motion or pressure.
Arthritis
Wear and tear (osteoarthritis) or autoimmune conditions (rheumatoid arthritis) causing stiffness and chronic.
Nerve-related pain
Such as tarsal tunnel syndrome, where nerves are compressed, leading to burning, tingling, or numbness
Common Causes of Ankle Pain and Sprains
Ankle pain and sprains can occur in both active individuals and during everyday activities. Understanding the cause of your ankle injury and pain is key to preventing it from happening again.
Sports Injuries
Sports that involve running, jumping, and sudden changes in direction place significant stress on the ankle joint.
Common examples include:
Basketball, football, and tennis
Running and trail running
Gym training and functional fitness (e.g. high-intensity workouts)
These activities increase the risk of the foot rolling inward or outward, leading to ligament strain or tears
Poor Footwear Support
Wearing inappropriate or unsupportive footwear can significantly increase the risk of ankle injuries.
This includes:
Shoes with poor arch support or cushioning
Worn-out footwear that no longer provides stability
High heels or unstable shoe designs
Sports shoes not suited for your activity
Previous Ankle Injuries
A history of ankle sprains is one of the strongest predictors of future injuries.
Weak Ankle Stabilising Muscles & Lack of Warm-Up. Uneven Surfaces & Sudden Direction Changes
Other causes are conditions such as unresolved fracture, peroneal tendonitis and peroneal injuries, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD), gout, rheumatoid arthritis, tarsal tunnel syndrome (nerve compression), Infection, and poor structural alignment (e.g. flat foot).
Assessment & Therapy Management
At East Coast Podiatry, we go beyond simply treating your pain—we identify the root cause of your ankle injury and deliver a structured, evidence-based recovery plan to ensure proper healing and prevent recurrence.
Our assessment process is designed to accurately determine:
- The severity of ligament damage (Grade 1–3)
- Whether there are associated injuries (e.g. fractures, tendon involvement)
- Underlying biomechanical risk factors that contributed to the injury
The process of diagnosing an ankle sprain involves several steps to assess the extent of the injury and to rule out other possible conditions:
- Physical Examination: Diagnosis typically starts with a physical examination, which involves assessing areas of swelling and tenderness and evaluating the ankle’s range of motion.
- Specialised Stress Tests: These tests can be employed to help determine the specific ligaments that have been injured.
- Imaging Tests: X-rays are often used to rule out any fractures and to help assess ligamentous or cartilage injuries.
Therapy & Management:
A sprained ankle can range from mild to severe. Acute ankle sprains benefit from early care to reduce swelling and promote healing:
Rest and avoid putting weight on the injured ankle
- Apply ice to manage acute inflammation in the first 48 hours
- Use compression bandages or a brace to support the area
- Elevate the ankle to reduce swelling
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication may be used to alleviate pain and inflammation
- Shockwave therapy is typically recommended when pain and swelling persist despite rest
However, if the injured ankle shows signs of chronic instability or pain worsens, it is crucial to consult a podiatrist. Depending on the severity of the sprain, ranging from Grade I to Grade III sprains, management may require immobilisation or advanced care. Diagnostic imaging may be needed to rule out fractures and assess ligament or soft tissue damage.
Rehabilitation is crucial in managing sprained ankles, especially for moderate to severe sprains. A targeted exercise plan supports restoration of function and may prevent recurrence.
Preventing Ankle Sprain
Whether you’re active or just on your feet often, prevention helps avoid re-injury:
- Warm up before exercise or physical activity
- Strengthen ankle and lower limb muscles
- Practise balance and proprioceptive exercises
- Choose footwear with good support
- Be cautious on uneven surfaces
- Address recurring issues early
Get Relief From Ankle Pain
It is advised by ankle specialists and podiatrists to address your ankle pain and sprains promptly. Failure to do so can lead to irreversible deformities of the foot and ankle, and even cause disabilities that negatively affect your quality of life.
To prevent this, see a podiatrist if you have experienced multiple ankle sprains, or frequent ankle instability and weakness.
Meet the Podiatrist Team
Experienced & Internationally Trained Podiatrists Ready To Serve
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