Ankle pain is a very common problem, affecting people of all ages and activity levels. Given the ankle’s crucial role in supporting body weight and movement, it’s no surprise that injuries are frequent. In fact, ankle injuries make up a significant portion of sports-related issues, accounting for around 20% of them, with over two million cases reported annually. If you’re asking yourself, “Why Would My Ankle Hurt?”, understanding the potential causes is the first step toward recovery. Let’s explore some of the most frequent reasons behind ankle pain, particularly those related to injuries.
Sprains and Strains: Overstretching and Tears
When considering “why would my ankle hurt?”, sprains and strains often top the list. Although these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they affect different tissues. A sprain involves damage to ligaments, the strong bands of tissue that connect bones to each other. Conversely, a strain affects muscles or tendons, which attach muscles to bones. The ankle is particularly vulnerable to both sprains and strains because of its complex structure and the forces it endures during activities like walking, running, and jumping. These injuries commonly occur when the ankle is forced into an unnatural position, often due to:
- Sudden twists or turns
- Incorrect landing after a jump
- Overextension during physical activity
Whether it’s a sprain or strain, the pain can range from mild to severe, often accompanied by swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight.
Bone Fractures: Breaks in the Ankle Bones
Another significant answer to “why would my ankle hurt?” could be a bone fracture. This means a break has occurred in one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint. Ankle fractures can arise from various situations, from high-impact trauma to simple missteps:
- Direct impact, such as a fall or blow to the ankle
- Twisting injuries, where the ankle is rotated beyond its normal range of motion
- Stress fractures, small cracks that develop over time due to repetitive stress
Fractures can vary greatly in severity, ranging from hairline fractures, which are small cracks, to compound fractures, where the broken bone protrudes through the skin. The intensity of pain with a fracture is usually more pronounced than with a sprain or strain, and it is often accompanied by immediate swelling, deformity, and an inability to put any weight on the injured ankle.
Arthritis: Joint Inflammation and Wear and Tear
Arthritis is also a common reason for asking “why would my ankle hurt?”, especially as we age. Arthritis isn’t a single disease but rather an umbrella term for conditions that cause inflammation within joints. This inflammation can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. In the ankle, several types of arthritis can be the culprit:
- Osteoarthritis: Often called “wear-and-tear” arthritis, this type develops over years as the cartilage that cushions the ankle joint gradually breaks down. This leads to bones rubbing directly against each other, causing pain.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect multiple joints, including the ankles, and often causes significant pain and inflammation.
- Gout: This type of arthritis is triggered by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. Gout attacks can cause sudden, severe pain, redness, and swelling, often in the big toe but also possible in the ankle.
Understanding these common causes provides insight into “why would my ankle hurt?”. If you are experiencing persistent or severe ankle pain, it is important to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment.
