Ankle pain
There are lots of causes of ankle pain. You can usually ease the pain yourself. But see a GP if the pain does not improve.
How you can ease ankle pain yourself
If you see a GP, they'll usually suggest you try these things:
DO
- rest and raise your ankle when you can
- put an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) in a towel on your ankle for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
- wear wide comfortable shoes with a low heel and soft sole
- use soft insoles or heel pads in your shoes
- wrap a bandage around your ankle to support it
- try regular gentle stretching exercises
- take paracetamol
DON'T
- do not take ibuprofen for the first 48 hours after an injury
- do not walk or stand for long periods
- do not wear high heels or tight pointy shoes
You can ask a pharmacist about:
- the best painkiller to take
- insoles and pads for your shoes
- treatments for common skin problems
- if you need to see a GP
See a GP if:
- the pain is severe or stopping you doing normal activities
- the pain is getting worse or keeps coming back
- the pain has not improved after treating it at home for 2 weeks
- you have any tingling or loss of sensation in your foot
- you have diabetes – foot problems can be more serious if you have diabetes
Go to an urgent treatment centre or A&E if you:
- have severe pain
- feel faint, dizzy or sick from the pain
- have an ankle or foot that has changed shape or is at an odd angle
- heard a snap, grinding or popping noise at the time of injury
-
are not able to walk
These might be signs of a broken ankle.
Common causes of ankle pain
Ankle pain is often caused by exercising too much or wearing shoes that are too tight.
Your symptoms might also give you an idea of what's causing your ankle pain.
| Symptoms | Possible cause |
|---|---|
| Pain, swelling, bruising, started after intense or repetitive exercise | sprained ankle |
| Pain in ankle and heel, pain in calf when standing on tiptoes | Achilles tendonitis |
| Redness and swelling, dull aching pain | bursitis |
| Sudden sharp pain, swelling, a popping or snapping sound during the injury, difficulty walking, ankle at odd angle | broken ankle |
Information:
Do not worry if you're not sure what the problem is.
Follow the advice on this page and see a GP if the pain does not get better in 2 weeks.