Sources of Ankle Pain

The ankle is a joint found between the leg and foot that helps the body to move with a steady gait. A number of health problems and injuries can cause people to experience ankle pain, which can affect their ability to walk normally.

Ankle Sprain

• An ankle injury often occurs when ankle ligaments, which connect bones, become torn. An ankle sprain causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the ankle.

Gout

• Gout is a joint disease that is caused by an excess of uric acid. People with the disease often have uric acid deposits in their joints, which can cause inflammation and tenderness in their ankle.

Osteoarthritis

• Osteoarthritis is a bone disease that wears down cartilage, the tissue found at the end of bones that helps bones slide against each other. This type of arthritis causes people to experience muscle weakness, swelling and/or pain in and around their ankle.

Tendinitis

• Tendinitis is caused by wearing down the tendons, the tissue that connects muscles and bones in the ankle. Tendinitis, especially Achilles tendinitis, can cause swelling and pain in the heel and ankle, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a disorder that is caused by tightening in the tibial nerve near the foot and ankle, according to Footphysicians.com. People with this disorder often experience tingling, numbness and pain in an ankle.