Ankle pain can be a nuisance to anyone who enjoys an active lifestyle. Common structures in the ankle that can be damaged and cause pain are the tendons, cartilage and blood vessels. There are several causes of ankle pain. Some of the common causes of ankle pain are ankle sprain, arthritis, tendonitis, psoudogout and infection.



An ankle sprain is an injury to the ligaments of the ankle causing them to partially or completely tear as a result of sudden stretching. Ankle sprains can occur on either or both of the inner and outer portions of the ankle joints. Preexisting muscle weakness in the ankle area is normally why ankle sprains occur. The ankle pain associated with an ankle sprain is initially severe and can be associated with a "popping" sensation. Swelling over the area of injury often occurs as the injured blood vessels leak fluid into the local tissue.

Arthritis is another cause of ankle pain. Arthritis causes inflammation of the joint which can involve the ankle area. This type of ankle pain is usually not induced by trauma injury and develops gradually. Usually pain, swelling, stiffness, redness and warmth are associated with this type of ankle pain.

Tendonitis of the ankle can be another cause of ankle pain. Tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendon. Tendonitis of the ankle can involve the Achilles tendon, the posterior tibial tendon or the peroneal tendon. This type of ankle pain unusually results from a trauma.

Psoudogout is another disease that can cause ankle pain. Psoudogout is a joint disease that may include intermittent attacks of arthritis. This disease is caused by the collection of calcium pyrophosphate crystals in joints. When this disease attacks, joint swelling and pain may be present.

Infections of the ankle joint are rare but are also a cause of ankle pain. They mainly occur due to bacteria being introduced into the ankle joint through puncture wounds or trauma.

If you suffer from ankle pain, it is important to see your doctor to get a correct diagnosis and treatment plan. Ankle pain can be caused by many different traumas, diseases or infections. Getting the right treatment plan for your ankle pain is important so your ankle can heal properly.