Ankles may seem like they’re a small part of your body, but they play a big role in keeping you moving and active every day. They’re the foundation for your entire body, supporting you with every step. Your ankles are crucial for balance, stability and overall mobility.
If you have ankle pain when you walk, it can have a significant impact on your daily life. Simple activities like going to work, running errands or enjoying hobbies can become painful and challenging. Constant discomfort can cause you to experience frustration, reduced mobility and a decreased quality of life. The good news is that there are treatments that can help you walk with more ease, including physical therapy.
What could be causing your ankle pain when you walk?
Ankle pain is a pretty common experience for people. The pain can range from a mild ache to a sharp, throbbing pain. Common culprits behind ankle pain when you walk include:
- Sprains — Sprains can happen when the ligaments supporting your ankle joint are stretched or torn. This can happen due to sudden twisting or rolling of the ankle. Walking can be extremely painful because it puts pressure on the injured ligaments, making it hard to put weight on the affected foot.
- Strains — Strains can be caused by overstretching or tearing of the muscles or tendons in your ankle, causing pain when you walk. This pain is due to additional stress being put on the injured tissue.
- Tendinitis — Tendinitis is the inflammation of the tendons, which can be caused by repetitive activities or overuse. For example, Achilles tendinitis affects the tendon at the back of your ankle, while peroneal tendinitis affects the tendons on the outside of your ankle. Tendinitis can cause pain, stiffness and tenderness in the affected area, making it hard to bear weight and walk comfortably.
- Plantar fasciitis — This condition is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tissue connecting your heel to your toes. Plantar fasciitis can cause heel pain that can extend up into your ankle. The plantar fascia plays a crucial role in helping support the arch of your foot, which directly impacts how your ankle works.
- Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction — Inflammation of the tendon that supports your ankle arch is known as posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. This can cause pain along the inside of your ankle and foot, which can become worse with activity.
- Heel bursitis — Heel bursitis is caused by the inflammation of the bursae at the back of the heel. Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that help cushion between bones and soft tissue. This condition can cause significant pain, especially when walking or standing. The pain can be described as a sharp or aching sensation in the back of the heel.
- Osteoarthritis — Osteoarthritis is a “wear-and-tear” type of arthritis that affects the cartilage in joints like the ankle. It can lead to pain, stiffness and swelling, which can make it difficult to walk comfortably.
- Rheumatoid arthritis — Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation in the joints, including the ankle. Unlike osteoarthritis, it can affect both ankles and cause joint damage, pain and stiffness, impacting your ability to walk.
- Flat feet — Flat feet occur when the arch of the foot collapses, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. This can cause ankle instability and discomfort, especially when walking or standing for long periods.
- Tight calf muscles — Tight calf muscles can cause ankle pain while walking. Calf muscles play a crucial role in helping to support the ankle joint and absorb shock. When they’re tight, they can pull on the Achilles tendon and ankle, causing pain and stiffness.
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome — Tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the tibial nerve in the ankle. It can cause pain, numbness, tingling and burning sensations in the foot and ankle. These symptoms can get worse with activity, making walking uncomfortable.
- Improper footwear — Wearing shoes that don’t fit properly or lack adequate support can cause ankle pain when walking. Shoes that don’t fit well can cause misalignment, increased pressure and potential injuries, making walking painful.
- Fractures — A fracture occurs when one or more of the bones in the ankle break. This can happen due to a traumatic injury, such as a fall or car accident, or from repetitive stress. The instability caused by the broken bone can make walking impossible or extremely painful.
Treatment options for ankle pain when walking
The treatment for your ankle pain can depend on the underlying cause. However, common approaches to help ease the pain can include:
- PRICE method
- Over-the-counter or prescription-strength pain relievers
- Orthotics
- Proper footwear
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Muscle relaxers
- Corticosteroid injections
- In severe cases, surgical intervention
While some causes of ankle pain when walking can heal with conservative measures or physical therapy, it’s important to consult with a health care professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Underestimating your ankle pain may delay proper healing or make the condition worse if you don’t seek prompt medical attention.
Forever Fit can treat your ankle pain
At Forever Fit Physical Therapy & Wellness, we understand the frustration and discomfort ankle pain while walking can cause and how it can impact your daily life. Our experienced physical therapists will work diligently to determine the underlying cause of your ankle pain and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. From helping to relieve pain and reduce inflammation to restoring strength and mobility, we are committed to helping you regain your active lifestyle and move with better ease.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.