Ankle pain while walking stems from various sources, most commonly injuries, arthritis, or the natural wear and tear on your joints. The pain's location and intensity vary depending on the underlying cause.
Common Causes of Ankle Pain While Walking
1. Injuries:
- Sprains: These are very common, often caused by twisting or rolling your ankle. A sprain involves stretched or torn ligaments. Pain is often immediate and can range from mild to severe, making walking difficult.
- Fractures: A broken bone in the ankle can cause sharp, intense pain that worsens with movement, particularly walking. Swelling is also a significant symptom.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons surrounding the ankle joint can cause pain, especially with activity like walking. This may be aggravated by overuse or repetitive movements.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae (fluid-filled sacs cushioning the joint) leads to pain and swelling around the ankle. Walking can significantly increase the discomfort.
2. Arthritis:
- Osteoarthritis: This degenerative joint disease causes cartilage breakdown, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Walking can become painful due to the increased stress on the affected joint.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: This autoimmune disease causes inflammation of the joints, including the ankle. Symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement, significantly impacting walking ability.
3. Wear and Tear:
- Age-related degeneration: As we age, the cartilage in our joints wears down, causing pain and stiffness. This can make walking painful, especially over longer distances.
- Overuse: Excessive physical activity or repetitive stress on the ankle can accelerate wear and tear, leading to pain during walking.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If your ankle pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by swelling, redness, or inability to bear weight, seek immediate medical attention. A doctor can diagnose the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
Reference Information: Ankle pain can happen for many reasons. The most common causes include injuries, arthritis and normal wear and tear. Depending on the cause, you may feel pain or stiffness anywhere around your ankle. Your ankle may also swell, and you may not be able to put any weight on it.
