Overview
Your feet and ankle consists of more joints than any other organ in your body. It is group of bones, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. It becomes the foundation for your body and support when you walk, stand or run. However recently, it has been observed that the cases of ankle pain while walking has increased. Hence we thought to shed some light on to it.
What could be the reasons for ankle pain?
It has been observed that ankle pain normally happens because of some physical injury. It may also be the result of certain body conditions. Lets read about both, the conditions as well as physical injury that leads to ankle pain while you walk.
Conditions
Some conditions that can cause ankle or foot pain when you place weight on your ankle include:
– Gout: Gout is a type of arthritis. Uric acid formed in body get dissolved in your blood, however in some people, instead of dissolving, it crystalizes and accumulates near the joint, causing pain. It starts with pain in big toe, which then spread to ankle, heel and entire feet.
– Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis has become the most common type of arthritis. It happens because of breakdown of the tendon in your joints. This could be a possible reason of your ankle pain, especially if you are obese or ageing person.
– Peripheral neuropathy. Injury to your peripheral nerves may erupt ankle pain when you walk. Nerve damage can be caused by infections, tumors, sudden shock or certain foot disease.
Injuries
Injuries in your ankle can ofcourse cause pain while you do any activity. We analysed the injuries mostly responsible for ankle pain and they are as below: – Bruising. If youve jerked your ankle severely, such as from a kick or a hit, then it may result into ankle pain when you walk. Such injuries can be healed by R.I.C.E technique and do not last for more than 2-3 weeks.
– Sprain or strain: Sprain and strains happen when your tendons are injured in your ankle. This may again be due to some severe activity. Such a sprain last for a week and vanishes on its own. However if doesnt go on its with in a week, then you must see a specialist.
– Fracture/ Bone breaks: If a bone is broken or fractured, you are going to have severe ankle pain when you walk. Fractures are mostly accompanied by inflammation and swelling in your toes. Fractures in ankle would take few weeks and even months to heal completely and typically require a foot specialists care. Fractures can also set an easy path for arthritis for later stages in life.
What are the reasons for pain in the back of your heel and ankle while you walk?
Pain in the backside of your heel and ankle, similar to pain in any part of your ankle, could be caused by fracture, sprain, or strain. However, there are a few specific situations which are typically associated with causing pain in the back of your ankle or heel.
Achilles tendon rupture
Achilles tendon rupture characteristically occur if youre athletic or are into aggressive sports. It occurs when there is a tear or damage to your Achilles tendon. Its most possibly due to sudden jerks caused by a fall or stepping into a pothole or by walking on an uneven ground.
Symptoms include:
– pain and inflammation in the backside of your ankle
– difficulty in walking
– Pain in your calves
Tips to avoid tendon rupture:
– Walk on plain ground or softer surafce
– Go for gradual increase in the intensity of workout
– Warmup before exercise
Heel bursitis
A bursa is a fluidic sap that surround the joint and act as a lubricant. Theres a bursa that shields the backside of your ankle and heel. It also supports in protecting your Achilles tendon. However rigorous exercise can lead in bursting of bursa.
Symptoms include:
– Acute ache in your ankle
– Pain even while you just stand
– Inflammation and swelling on the back of your heel
Treatment includes:
– Avoid rigorous workout
– R.I.C.E Technique
– over-the-counter pain medications such as Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).
Achilles tendinitis
Along with a rupture, Achilles tendinitis is caused by an injury to the Achilles tendon. Overuse or intense strain can cause the band that connects your calf muscle to your heel bone to stretch, resulting in tendinitis.
Symptoms include:
– stiffness
– tenderness
– mild or severe pain in back of ankle and calf
Treatment includes rest and self-care, such as elevation and hot or cold compresses
Whats the outlook?
If you have extreme ankle pain when walking, you should seek medical help. Its likely that you may have damaged your ankle or Achilles tendon.
If your pain is minor and you can recall twisting your ankle or tripping, you may have a sprain. These will usually heal in one to two weeks with ice, elevation, and proper rest. Speak with your doctor if your pain doesnt subside or if youre concerned.
Dr. Parth Parekh
DNB (Orthopaedic) ; D (Orthopaedic) ; M.N.A.M.S (Orthopaedic)
Consultant Orthopaedic Foot And Ankle Surgeon
CIMS Hospital
Science City Road,
Sola,
Ahmedabad, Gujarat India 380060