If you experience ankle pain and swelling, it can make getting around difficult. It can be especially debilitating if your ankle pain worsens while walking. Or, if it prevents you from participating in activities you enjoy. Certain conditions that cause ankle pain may worsen over time, which is why it’s important not to ignore your ankle pain. The first step toward relieving ankle pain is to determine what may be causing your symptoms. There are a few different common causes that could be behind your symptoms. 

Are you wondering what might cause your ankle to be swollen and in pain? Learn about four common conditions that can cause these symptoms and how physical therapy can help.

Four causes of ankle pain and swelling

Here are some common conditions that cause ankle pain and swelling:

1. Sprain — The most common cause for ankle pain is a sprain. An ankle sprain occurs when you overstretch or tear the ligaments in your ankle, usually from physical activity like running or playing sports. According to the National University of Health Sciences, a sprain accounts for 85% of all ankle injuries.

2. Arthritis — Arthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions your joints breaks down. Osteoarthritis is commonly referred to as wear-and-tear arthritis because it happens over time. This form of arthritis commonly affects the ankle and can cause pain and swelling, as well as stiffness. 

3. Gout — A buildup of uric acid can cause gout, which tends to affect joints in the foot. If gout affects your ankle, you’ll probably experience pain and swelling as well as incremental attacks of sharp, burning pain.

4. Nerve damage — Nerve damage or irritation can result in pain in the ankle. One example is tarsal tunnel syndrome, caused by irritation of the tibial nerve that runs through your leg down to your feet.

Continuum Wellness is prepared to treat your ankle pain

Since we spend a lot of the day on our feet, living with ankle pain can be frustrating. Our physical therapists at Continuum Wellness are experts in treating ankle pain and swelling. We have years of experience in managing symptoms for a variety of ankle conditions, and we can build you a personalized treatment plan that suits your individual needs.

Contact our team today for more information about physical therapy for ankle pain and swelling or to schedule an initial appointment.