Common Ankle Conditions

Visit us for a comprehensive diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.

Introduction

A sprained ankle is common and makes up about 25% of all sports-related injuries. There are, however, several other conditions that could affect our ankle’s normal functioning and can occur from trauma or even walking on an uneven surface.

These could be sprains, fractures or a tear or strain on the tendons. If you do suffer from an ankle injury, it is important not to put any weight on the ankle and to receive immediate attention. This prevents further injury and long-term chronic issues such as repeated ankle injury, ankle weakness and arthritis.

Sprains & Ligament Injury (Instability)

A sprained ankle occurs when the ankle is rolled or twisted in a way that causes injury to the ligaments in the ankle. This is a common injury that is often the result of a fall from standing height or other sports-related accidents. Walking or running on an uneven surface can also sometimes lead to a sprained ankle, if the ankle gets rolled a particular way.

When an ankle is sprained, there will be pain in the affected ankle, especially when it bears weight, leading to difficulty walking. It may feel tender to the touch, and you may see some swelling or bruising around the affected ankle. A limited range of motion, as well as some instability, can also be expected. In addition, some people may experience a popping sensation or hear a popping sound at the time the injury occurs.

Cartilage Injury

Cartilage injuries, also known as osteochondral lesions, are usually caused by trauma to or overuse of a joint, resulting in the cartilage becoming detached from the bone. Ankle cartilage injuries are fairly common, especially among athletes. The risk of getting an ankle cartilage injury becomes higher when there have been previous injuries to the ankle, such as sprains, fractures, or dislocations.

A cartilage injury in the ankle will cause pain and swelling in the ankle. In most cases, difficulty walking and a limited range of motion in the affected ankle may come about. In addition, you may experience instability in the ankle, as well as a locking sensation in the ankle, especially after a long period of rest.

Tendon Injury

Tendon injuries are usually the result of overuse or wear-and-tear over time. Given this, people who play sports involving repetitive ankle movements, such as football or running, are more prone to tendon injuries in the ankle. However, it should be noted that ankle tendon injuries can also be caused by trauma, such as a fall. They are also more likely to occur in people with high arches on their feet.

When the tendons in the ankle are injured, there will be pain and swelling in the affected ankle. The injured ankle may also feel warm to the touch. In more serious injuries, the ankle will become weak or unstable, as well as unable to bear weight. This will lead to difficulty walking and moving around.

Slipping Peroneal Tendons

Slipping peroneal tendons, otherwise known as peroneal tendon subluxation, are a type of tendon injury where the peroneal tendons slip out of their usual position. This is usually the result of trauma, such as a sprained ankle. It may also be caused by genetics. In addition, repeated ankle injuries, such as ankle sprains, will make peroneal tendon subluxation more likely to occur.

Slipping peroneal tendons may sometimes cause pain, especially when the affected foot is pointed inwards. There may also be some visible swelling on the outside of the ankle. Some people may be able to feel or see their tendon moving behind the ankle. Instability and a limited range of motion can be expected, as well as a popping sound or sensation at the time of injury.

Ankle Arthritis

Ankle arthritis refers to damage to or wearing out of the cartilage attached to any one or more of the bones within the ankle joint. There are many types of arthritis, and the causes and symptoms of them will vary according to type. Generally, ankle arthritis can be caused by injury, such as a fall, or simple wear-and-tear over time. It may also be a result of a deformity in the ankle. If someone has widespread arthritis, it is likely to occur in their ankles as well.

An ankle affected by arthritis is likely to be painful and inflamed. While a sudden onset of pain may occur, the pain more often tends to set in gradually. The pain may be exacerbated during movement, or after a period of rest. It may also be worse in the morning. Other symptoms include swelling, a limited range of motion, and difficulty walking.

Ankle Impingement

Ankle impingement, which is sometimes known as “footballer’s ankle”, refers to a painful limitation in the ankle’s range of motion due to an abnormality in the bone or soft tissue of the ankle. It is usually a result of the improper healing of a previous injury, such as a sprained ankle, or repetitive ankle motions like running or jumping. This condition is commonly found in athletes, especially football players, and ballet dancers.

The pain caused by an ankle impingement will depend on the location of the impingement. In posterior impingement, pointing the toe down will cause pain, while in anterior impingement, pain comes about when bending the ankle upwards. In either case, the ankle will have a limited range of motion and is likely to swell.

Complex Fractures (Trauma)

An ankle fracture refers to a break in one or more of the bones comprising the ankle. This could simply be the result of a fall or twisting an ankle. It could also be due to more serious trauma, such as a car accident, which would cause a more complex fracture in the ankle. Weak bones, such as in osteoporosis, are likely to break more easily.

An ankle fracture will result in immediate and severe pain, accompanied by swelling and bruising. Some people may experience numbness in the fractured ankle if the nerves or blood vessels around the ankle have been damaged. The affected ankle will usually be unable to bear weight, resulting in difficulty walking or an inability to do so. There may also be some visible deformities in the affected ankle, such as exposed bones or skin stretching over the broken bones.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (TTS)

Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) refers to a condition where the tibial nerve is compressed as it travels through the tarsal tunnel, located along the inner leg and behind the bump on the inside of the ankle. It is a painful condition that is caused by repeated pressure to the tibial nerve. This pressure can be caused by flat feet, varicose veins around the tibial nerve, or the presence of growths near the nerve. Other risk factors include arthritis or diabetes. It can also be caused by injury or trauma.

The symptoms of TTS include numbness, tingling, and pain. The pain caused by TTS may take the form of sharp pains, a sensation like an electric shock, or a burning sensation, which can be felt along the tibial nerve, in the sole of the foot, or in the ankle. These pains are usually made worse by physical activity, although some people may feel pain or numbness when resting if they have had TTS for a long period of time.

Baxter's Nerve Entrapment

Baxter’s nerve entrapment occurs when the inferior calcaneal nerve, also known as Baxter’s nerve, becomes entrapped between the muscles of the inner foot. Baxter’s nerve entrapment can be caused by flat feet or excessive pronation. Poorly-fitting footwear may also cause this condition to arise. In addition, Baxter’s nerve entrapment may be the result of acute injury or trauma caused by repetitive pressure to the nerve during physical activities like running.

Baxter’s nerve entrapment can be hard to diagnose due to the fact that it causes symptoms very similar to plantar fasciitis, which is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band that runs along the sole of the foot. These symptoms include chronic pain on the inside of the heel, as well as a burning pain underneath the heel. This pain is often worse after physical activity. In some cases, there may be numbness in the outer heel or foot.

Septic Arthritis (Infection)

Septic arthritis is a term used to describe the infection of a joint due to bacteria, viruses, fungi. These contaminants enter the joint fluid and tissue via the bloodstream, and cause a painful infection that will require immediate treatment, often in the form of antibiotics. Joints can also become infected due to injury, injection, or surgery. Septic arthritis most commonly occurs in the hips, knees, shoulders, elbows, wrists, and fingers. However, it can affect any joint in the body.

Septic arthritis of the ankle will result in severe joint pain that is exacerbated by movement. You will likely be unable to move the affected leg and may see some swelling and redness around the affected area. You will most likely also develop chills and a fever, and feel fatigued and weak. Septic arthritis of the ankle should be treated as early as possible to avoid complications.

Complex Ankle Deformities

There are many types of ankle deformities, and they can be the result of injury, other disorders, or infection. For example, a Valgus ankle refers to when the foot tilts or turns sideways away from the other foot. In children, Valgus ankles are often the result of neurological disorders such as spina bifida or poliomyelitis. However, an otherwise healthy person might also develop a Valgus ankle after an accident or other trauma to the ankle.

Symptoms of any ankle deformity

The symptoms of any ankle deformity will depend on the type of deformity involved. Generally, aside from the visual appearance of the ankle deformity, there may be pain in the affected foot, especially while walking, and range of motion may be limited as well. If there are protrusions in the foot, these may be prone to blisters or calluses. Instability is to be expected, and in severe cases, walking becomes difficult as well.

Conclusion

The symptoms for certain ankle conditions can be very similar and are often mistaken for another injury, which is why it is important to have an ankle injury properly evaluated by a doctor. With the right diagnosis and treatment, you’ll be able to restore range of motion, strength and flexibility, and return to your normal activities in no time.

Get in touch

Make an Enquiry or Request an Appointment

Our friendly team is here to serve you. For urgent enquiries and appointment requests, please call or WhatsApp us directly.

Name

Phone

Choice of Consultation*

Preferred Clinic*

Message