Why Does Your Ankle Hurt After Walking? Common Causes & Treatment

Why Does Your Ankle Hurt After Walking? Common Causes & Treatment

Walking is one of the easiest activities to keep you fit, but ankle pain after walking could affect your walking and exercise routine. You might feel pain around the ankle, on the stairs, while exercising, or when standing for long periods.

Ankle pain can occur due to a number of reasons: a pre-existing injury, overuse, sprain, tendon problems, muscle or joint pain, and so on. Knowing the possible causes will help you prevent future occurrences of ankle pain.

Common Causes of Ankle Pain After Walking

1. Ankle Sprain

An ankle sprain is one of the common reasons for ankle pain. It occurs when the ankle suddenly moves in such a way that the supporting ligaments stretch beyond their limits. You may feel pain and swelling in the ankle area.

2. Overuse

Sometimes, walking for longer hours can aggravate the ankle, leading to minor pain. Such pain usually subsides as you rest for a while.

3. Tendonitis

Tendons are the body tissues that connect your muscles to your bones. Overuse or strain can lead to irritation in the tendons present around the ankle area. You may feel pain on walking, climbing stairs, exercising, or during any other activity that uses the ankle.

4. Unsuitable Footwear

Uncomfortable footwear can have detrimental effects on your ankles. It could even change the regular pattern of your gait. Try to use comfortable footwear whenever you are on your feet for a long time.

5. Previous Ankle Injury

An ankle that has been injured in an accident or had surgery might feel pain under certain conditions. You may also feel weakness around the ankle when you stand or walk for a long time.

6. Joint Problems

Some people are prone to ankle pain due to faulty joints. It can also be the result of an ankle infection. Such pain may feel stiff and swollen, and is usually more severe when walking or exercising. If you have persistent ankle pain, consult an orthopedic surgeon to get the right treatment.

What Can You Do for Mild Ankle Pain?

If the pain is not severe, the following self-care measures can be used:

• Allow the ankle to rest
• Avoid putting pressure on it
• Wear comfortable footwear
• Apply an ice pack if there is any swelling
• Elevate the ankle when resting if it is swollen
• Resume activity as soon as the pain allows

Note that self-care measures are only useful in some cases. Consult an orthopedic surgeon in case of severe pain.

When Should You Consult an Orthopedic Doctor?

You should consult an orthopedic surgeon in the following situations:

• If the pain lasts or keeps returning
• When you can't put weight on your foot
• If your ankle is visibly swollen or bruised
• If your ankle looks bent or twisted
• If you have a weak feeling in your foot or leg
• If the pain is severe and is affecting your daily life
• If you have been in an accident or had surgery

An orthopedic surgeon will be able to detect the cause of your ankle pain.

How Is Ankle Pain Diagnosed?

An orthopedic surgeon will conduct a series of tests to find the cause of your ankle pain. He/she may start by asking you questions about the pain, its duration, physical activity, family history and so on. A physical exam will also be required. Some of the tests that may be conducted include X-rays and scans.

The treatment will be different for every case. The aim is to reduce pain and inflammation, prevent future occurrences, and help you resume normal activities soon.

Treatment for Ankle Pain

Treatment varies depending on the cause and how long the pain has persisted. A combination of the following treatment plans may be recommended by the orthopedic surgeon:

• Rest and limiting the use of the ankle
• Medication
• Physiotherapy
• Stretching and strengthening routines
• Suitable footwear
• Treatment for tendons, muscles, or ligaments
• Surgery in special cases

The aim of treatment is not only to manage the pain but also to restore functionality and avoid future occurrences of ankle pain.

Easy Ways to Take Care of Your Ankle

There are also some simple but effective ways of taking care of your ankle. They include:

• Warming up before exercising
• Building endurance by walking or running regularly
• Using suitable and comfortable footwear
• Strengthening your legs and ankles
• Avoiding walking on uneven ground
• Not ignoring persistent ankle pain

FAQs About Ankle Pain After Walking

1. Why does my ankle hurt after walking?
The pain can be caused by overuse of the ankle, injury, sprain, tendonitis, unsuitable footwear, or a faulty ankle joint.

2. Should I stop walking if my ankle hurts?
If walking is aggravating the pain, it would be best to stop and let the ankle rest. If the pain persists, you should see an orthopedic surgeon.

3. Can ankle pain get better on its own?
Mild ankle pain that occurs due to overuse can be treated by limiting the use of the ankle. However, persistent ankle pain needs to be addressed medically.

4. Can physiotherapy help with ankle pain?
Yes, physiotherapy can help with ankle pain depending on the cause. The physiotherapist will prescribe suitable routines to aid in treating your ankle pain.

5. When is ankle pain a serious concern?
Ankle pain is a serious concern when the pain is very severe or when the ankle is very swollen. You should also seek medical attention if you can't bear weight on your foot or leg, if your ankle looks bent, or if the pain was caused by an injury.

6. Which doctor should I see for ankle pain?
You should see an orthopedic surgeon for ankle pain.

Final Thoughts

Ankle pain after walking shouldn't be ignored because it can be a symptom of many conditions, ranging from faulty joints to an ankle injury. Once you have seen an orthopedic surgeon and received the right treatment, it shouldn't be a problem to get back to your favorite activities. If your ankle pain is persistent, consult an orthopedic surgeon to get proper treatment.

Consult Dr. Abhishek Saxena for expert orthopedic care in Ajmer and get the right treatment you need for your bone, joint, or sports injuries. Visit Bone and Joints Clinic, Near Jeevan Jyoti Hospital, Lajpat Nagar, Ramganj, Ajmer, Rajasthan 305001, or call +91 86182 43967.