What You Should Know About Outside Ankle Pain
Outside ankle pain, also referred to as chronic lateral ankle pain, is recurring pain on the outer side of the ankle that often develops after an injury such as a sprain or a chronic condition like arthritis or a foot deformity.
The pain may range from a dull ache to sharp and intense shooting pain that makes walking or running extremely difficult, if not impossible. That pain is usually accompanied by tenderness, swelling, bruising, stiffness, and inflamed tendons around the ankle.
What Causes Ankle Pain?
There are several possible causes of ankle pain, including simply standing or walking on your feet all day. In broad terms, outside ankle pain is present for two main reasons. The first is injuries that flair up and are directly related to improper or repetitive stress on the ankle or outer foot. This can include:
Ankle sprain: Sprained ankles are among the most common ankle injuries. They can range from mild to severe and are caused by a stressful or sudden roll or twist of the ankle. Sometimes, sprains also tear ligaments, creating further problems that can require an extended healing period.
Bone fracture: Fractures can occur due to a sudden and violent injury, resulting in a clean break of the bone, or a stress fracture caused by repeated overuse that produces a small, painful break or crack in the bone.
Achilles tendonitis: The Achilles tendon is a tissue band connecting your calf muscles on the back of your lower leg to your heel bone. Achilles tendonitis results from an overuse injury in the heel, usually due to too much exercise, running, or walking. Pain can vary from mild to intense and will radiate up the ankle.
Peroneal tendonitis: This occurs when the tendons running along the outer side of your ankle and foot become inflamed through overuse or acute injuries.
Cuboid syndrome: This injury occurs when the cuboid bone on the outer side of your foot becomes dislocated or misaligned. The cuboid bone helps stabilize your foot and is connected to your ankle, playing an important role in your foot’s stability. This condition is often caused by overuse, being overweight, or simply wearing tight shoes. It is usually treated using orthotics, physical therapy, or resting your feet until the condition heals.
The second broad category includes chronic conditions or ongoing non-stress related issues that can include:
Arthritis: This condition is caused by joint inflammation and may be attributed to injuries, age, or conditions such as gout that result in stiffness and pain in joints, including the ankle.
Gout: This is a form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the joints. It is most common in the foot and ankle.
Flat feet: This condition is when the arch in the foot is low or non-existent, producing added stress on the foot and ankle.
Bunions: These are bony bumps that form near the big toe joint, causing it to angle toward your other toes, eventually putting pressure on the outside edge of your foot. Bunions can be caused by genetic issues or poorly fitted shoes.
Bursitis: This condition is similar to arthritis and is caused by inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs in your joints called bursae, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Tarsal coalition: A congenital condition in which bones are abnormally fused in the back of your foot, resulting in stiffness and pain.
Sural nerve entrapment: This is more commonly known as a pinched nerve, which can be temporary or long-lasting, depending on the cause and severity. Most pinched nerves are treated with rest, over-the-counter medication, and physical therapy.
Treating Outside Ankle Pain
Many common forms of ankle pain are treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation to reduce inflammation and get you back on your feet. Applying a cold pack to the affected area for 20 minutes several times daily and wrapping the ankle in an elastic bandage to provide gentle support are effective treatments. You should also elevate your painful ankle above your heart level to minimize swelling if possible. These actions, coupled with over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen, help speed up the healing process.
For persistent and chronic pain, it's essential to seek professional medical help through a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist. More intense forms of outside ankle pain may require a detailed diagnosis and targeted treatment plan. Consult a doctor if your ankle pain is due to a sudden injury or if it is not getting better after three days of self-care at home.
Insoles Offer Many Healing Advantages
Insoles are among the most effective ways to deal with many forms of ankle pain, especially for minor injuries or those diagnosed where an orthotic device is recommended or prescribed.
Supportive insoles can add stability and relieve pressure on conditions such as gout or tendonitis. Alternatively, if you keep wearing shoes that lack support for your ankles, you could worsen your condition or injury.
The most effective insoles for treating ankle pain have a deep heel cup. This cradles the heel and supports the arch while supporting the ankle. Insoles should be worn with appropriate footwear that is somewhat rigid as opposed to being too soft or flimsy.
Insoles also help improve posture and balance, creating better overall stability. When weight is distributed correctly, it also helps prevent injuries or reduces the possibility of aggravating existing injuries. These orthotics can also alleviate other body pain that may be occurring in the knees, hips, and back.
Surgery as an Option
If other options don’t improve your condition, your doctor may recommend an injection of a steroid medication or joint aspiration, which involves inserting a needle into your ankle to remove excess fluid that causes swelling.
For more challenging conditions, surgery is an option. The specific type of surgery depends on the diagnosis and cause of your ankle pain.
Surgical treatments may include removing loose bone and tissue fragments, debriding the joint or joint surface, or repairing and reconstructing ligaments to strengthen the ankle area. Some surgeries are more involved than others, but many procedures can be done on an outpatient basis using arthroscopic procedures. Physical therapy after surgery is generally part of the healing process.