Yes, your ankle can hurt from walking.
Why Can Walking Cause Ankle Pain?
Repetitive activities like walking, running, or jumping can sometimes lead to ankle pain. The pain often arises from inflammation and irritation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions the tissues around the ankle joint. When this bursa becomes inflamed due to repetitive use, it can cause pain at the back of the ankle.
How Walking Can Lead to Ankle Pain
- Overuse: Walking excessively or increasing your walking distance or pace too quickly can strain the ankle joint and surrounding tissues, including the bursa.
- Poor Footwear: Wearing shoes that lack adequate support or cushioning can place extra stress on your ankles.
- Improper Walking Technique: Issues with your gait can cause certain areas of your ankle to absorb more impact, increasing the risk of pain.
- Underlying Conditions: Certain conditions like arthritis or tendinitis can make the ankle more susceptible to pain during walking.
- Uneven Surfaces: Walking on uneven ground can cause instability in the ankle, leading to inflammation and pain.
Signs and Symptoms
If you have ankle pain caused by walking, you might experience:
- Pain at the back of the ankle or around the Achilles tendon.
- Swelling around the affected area.
- Stiffness, especially after resting.
- Tenderness to the touch.
- Reduced range of motion.
What Can You Do About Ankle Pain from Walking?
Here are a few ways to address ankle pain caused by walking:
- Rest: Reduce or temporarily stop walking to give your ankle time to heal.
- Ice: Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
- Elevation: Elevate your ankle to reduce swelling.
- Proper Footwear: Wear shoes that offer good support, cushioning, and fit well.
- Stretching: Gentle stretching exercises can help improve flexibility.
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage the pain.
- Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can help with specific exercises to improve ankle strength and stability.
- Consult a Doctor: If the pain is severe or persists, it's important to see a doctor to rule out other conditions and ensure proper treatment.
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Pain | Inflammation or irritation from repetitive walking | Rest, ice, elevation, pain relievers, consult a doctor |
| Swelling | Inflammation | Rest, ice, elevation |
| Stiffness | Muscle tightness or inflammation | Gentle stretching, rest, consider physical therapy |
| Reduced Motion | Swelling, inflammation or structural issues | Gentle stretching, physical therapy, consult a doctor |
