There are many causes of ankle pain. You can usually ease the pain yourself. But contact your GP if the pain does not get better in 2 weeks.
Urgent advice: Go to your nearest injury unit or emergency department 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 when you got injured
- cannot walk
These may be signs of a broken ankle.
What we mean by severe pain
Severe pain:
- always there and so bad it's hard to think or talk
- you cannot sleep
- it's very hard to move, get out of bed, go to the bathroom, wash or dress
- you cannot work due to the pain
Moderate pain:
- always there
- makes it hard to concentrate or sleep
- you can manage to get up, wash or dress
Mild pain:
- comes and goes
- is annoying but does not stop you from doing things like going to work
Easing ankle pain
Your GP will suggest things you can try to ease your ankle pain.
Do
-
rest and raise your ankle when you can
-
put an ice pack on your ankle for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours - you can also use a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel
-
wear wide comfortable shoes with a low heel and a supportive and cushioned sole
-
use soft insoles or heel pads in your shoes
-
wrap a bandage around your ankle to support it
-
try regular gentle ankle and calf stretching exercises
-
take paracetamol or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen or diclofenac
Don't
-
do not walk or stand for a long time
-
do not wear high heels or tight pointy shoes
How your pharmacist can help
Ask your pharmacist about:
- the best painkiller to take
- insoles and pads for your shoes
- if you should contact a GP
Non-urgent advice: Contact your GP if:
- the pain is severe or stopping you from doing normal activities
- the pain is getting worse or keeps coming back
- the pain does not get better after 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
Causes of ankle pain
Common causes of ankle pain are:
- exercising too much
- wearing shoes that are too tight
Your symptoms may help you find the cause of your ankle pain.
Possible causes of ankle pain and their symptoms include:
- a sprained ankle - pain, swelling and bruising that started after intense or repetitive exercise
- achilles tendonitis - pain in your ankle, heel and calf (when you stand on your tiptoes)
- bursitis - redness, swelling and a dull aching pain
Do not worry if you're not sure what is causing your ankle pain.
Follow the advice for easing ankle pain and contact your GP if the pain does not get better in 2 weeks.
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
