Ankle pain is frustrating enough when you know the cause. But when pain appears out of nowhere? It’s just cruel. The good news is that you’re not alone. You’re not imagining things. There are several good reasons that you might experience ankle pain without any obvious injury. And there are just as many options for getting relief quickly and hopefully preventing more pain in the future.
Types of sudden ankle pain
First, let’s unpack the different types of pain you might be experiencing, and how each type can point to different underlying causes. That’s the key to getting effective treatment, whether something simple that you can do at home or something a Physical Therapist at Back in Motion can help with.
Sharp pain when bearing weight
Does your ankle feel fine when resting, but sharp pain shoots through it the second you stand or walk? This type of pain is often localized and can have several potential culprits, even if you haven’t recently injured yourself. Common causes include:
- Stress fractures: Tiny cracks in the bones caused by repetitive stress, such as running. These can develop over time without any single traumatic event and then start hurting seemingly out of nowhere.
- Tendonitis: Inflamed tendons, like the Achilles tendon, can cause pain when the ankle is under load.
- Arthritis: Rheumatoid or osteoarthritis can cause sharp pain in the ankle joint, even without a prior injury.
If you suspect any of these issues, a physical examination may be required to confirm the diagnosis and begin treatment. In the meantime, avoid activities that hurt your leg as much as possible. If it’s completely debilitating, or preventing you from being able to work, talk to a physical therapist.
Aching pain in specific positions
Aching pain usually feels dull but constant, becoming more noticeable in specific situations. You might feel it after sitting or standing for long periods, or after activity or exercise. Potential causes for aching ankles without injury include:
- Stiffness: Joint stiffness, often felt upon waking in the morning or after sitting for a while, might indicate stiffness in the soft tissues of the ankle joint or a condition like arthritis.
- Overuse strain: Standing for too long or exercising excessively can irritate the soft tissue surrounding the ankle, leading to a dull ache that can get better with rest and stretching.
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome: Similar to carpal tunnel syndrome in your wrist, this condition involves a compressed tibial nerve in your ankle, causing soreness or tingling sensations in your foot.
These underlying issues tend to worsen when you don’t do anything about them, so adjusting activity levels or talking to a professional can help.
Ankle pain in both ankles
If you’re experiencing pain in both ankles, systemic issues may be at play rather than a localized problem. Common explanations for the same type of pain in both ankles include:
- Edema (swelling): Swelling caused by fluid retention can affect both ankles, often due to issues with circulation, such as venous insufficiency.
- Gout: A form of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup that can affect multiple joints, including both ankles.
- Autoimmune conditions: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can cause pain in multiple joints, including both ankles at once.
Treatment for a condition like these will vary and physical therapy may or may not play a role in your recovery and management of the diagnosis.
Ankle pain after wearing new/different shoes or going barefoot
Sometimes, ankle pain with no obvious injury can be traced back to footwear. Your favorite new pair of shoes or even a few minutes going barefoot for the first time during the summer can wreak havoc on your joints.
Switching back to supportive, comfortable footwear can often resolve these issues in a few days. On the other hand, you could work with a physical therapist to get orthotic insoles to feel comfortable in any shoe, or to learn how to move around barefoot with proper walking mechanics.
Treating ankle pain with no obvious injury
Once you’ve identified the type and source of your pain, you can take steps to treat it. Keep in mind that while self-treatment methods can be effective, consulting a professional ensures better results.
- Rest and ice: Reduce inflammation by staying off your feet and applying an ice pack for 15–20 minutes every few hours.
- Compression and elevation: Using a compression wrap and keeping your ankle elevated can help minimize swelling.
- Stretching and strengthening: Physical therapy exercises can train weakened muscles and improve the range of motion in the ankle.
It’s tempting to rely on fast and seemingly accurate solutions you can find online, but they can only take you so far. For truly personalized care, a consultation with a physical therapist is invaluable. They can dig deeper than symptoms to uncover the root cause and develop a tailored treatment plan.
Should I see a doctor for sudden ankle pain?
The good news is, you don’t always need to start with a primary care provider to address ankle pain. Physical therapists can often be your first stop, helping you save time and take actionable steps toward recovery faster. However, there are scenarios where you should see a doctor immediately:
- Severe swelling or deformity.
- Pain that worsens rapidly or doesn’t improve at all after a few days.
- Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, and fever.
If you’re unsure how to get started, give us a call and our team will help you figure out what kind of care is right for you. We can even assist with understanding your insurance coverage and scheduling an appointment.
Find Relief Now with Back in Motion Physical Therapy
Unexplained ankle pain can be frustrating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Back in Motion Physical Therapy, we specialize in helping Mainers of all walks of life find rapid relief and long-term solutions for their pain.
Start a conversation with our experts by calling a clinic near you or by requesting your first appointment online today.
